news archive

An archive of NMI/ANMT Press Releases. (Click a title to see the details.)

January 1, 2019

Call for Submissions from Musical Theatre Writers 18-26

If you’re under the age of 26, and you’re writing for musical theatre, New Musicals Inc. would love to hear from you.

New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles is sponsoring its seventh annual New Voices Project, in which young playwrights, composers and lyricists receive workshops and concerts of their work, with support from the Helen & Jose Colton Foundation, and feedback sessions from executives from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment and New Musicals Inc.

Selected finalists will have their work presented at an in-house concert at NMI in April and will receive critical feedback from industry professionals. After an opportunity to revise their work, selections by finalists will be presented in concert in Los Angeles in the summer of 2019.

Writers are encouraged to submit up to three selections, either from a single work, or separate works, for a total of 20 minutes of material. The staff of New Musicals Inc. will select up to six teams of writers for presentation and critique.

“We’re looking for writers in whom we see potential,” says NMI’s Executive Director Scott Guy. “We’re not pigeon-holing that potential: that is, we’re not looking for ‘Broadway musical’ writers per se, or ‘ground-breaking’ or ‘commercial’ or ‘avant-garde’. We’re looking for writers who are exploring their voices through the blend of music and voice. The stronger your voice and vision are, the more likely we’re going to respond to your work.”

Timeline:
Open for Submissions: January 1, 2019
Deadline for Submissions: February 15, 2019
Winners Announced: March 1, 2019

There is no application fee. For finalists who are not Los Angeles locals, participation will be available via video conferencing.

November 15, 2018

SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS Winners Announced

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced today at New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles.

First Prize goes to The Bully Problem with book, lyrics, and music by Michael Gordon Shapiro.Second Prize goes to The Flesh Trade with book, lyrics, and music by Chris Holoyda.Third Prize goes to Wayward Sons with book, music, and lyrics by Bradley Buck.
Special Merit goes to Got It All! with book, music, and lyrics by Sidney James.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!”

In The Bully Problem, fourteen-year-old tech genius Kevin tries to steer clear of the struggle between nerds and bullies at Van Der Bort Junior High. But when he inherits an android from his inventor father, Kevin ends up providing robotic bodyguard service — and gets thrown into the thick of the conflict!

The Flesh Trade introduces us to Honey - a lady of the night working on the line in Tombstone, Arizona at the turn of the century. When a surviving member of the Donner Party asks her to start procuring meat for him and his rowdy gang of cannibal buddies - human meat, specifically - Honey dives into doing dirty deeds for not so cheap. Will she ever find her way out of the flesh trade, or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Wayward Sons is a secular, operatic re-telling of the story of the Prodigal Son that follows said son on his adventures as he learns some valuable life lessons before coming home.

Got It All! is a multi media musical drama tracing a downward spiral of celebrity, race, sex and money through the labyrinth of the contemporary American justice system. Is there justice for all under the law? The accused claims innocence. Friends want to believe. Lawyers want to win.

The Bully Problem will receive a production at the Hollywood Fringe Festival in the summer of 2019. The Flesh Trade will receive a staff table reading. Wayward Sons will receive a Detailed Analysis from an NMI dramaturge.

NMI is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to NMI for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

Past winners of the Search have included: The Water by Jeff Hylton, Tim Werenko, and Georgia Stitt (2008); Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo (2009); Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley and Arthur Sullivan (2010); Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright (2011); Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard deRosa (2012); It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal (2013); Off the Wall by Sarah Rebell and Danny Abosch (2014), Invisible by David Hollingsworth and David Orris (2015), Spellbound: A F@#$*d-Up Fairy Tale by Ben Boecker (2016), and Bravo by Cristian Guerrero, Steven Schmidt, and Andrew Moorhead (2017).

All musicals submitted (at any level) to NMI by July 15, 2019 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season. Winners of the 2019 Search will be announced by November 15, 2019. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the NMI staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

Information on submitting to the Search is available by visiting www.nmi.org.

October 15, 2018

NMI Featured Video: NMI Exec. Director Counts Down the Five Mistakes (Nearly) Every Musical Makes

NMI’s Featured Video Release this week is: Five Mistakes (Nearly) Every Musical Makes. NMI’s Executive Director gave an inspiring lecture at the 2018 Conference for musical theatre writers and we’re now releasing it, mistake by mistake. Scott says: “I’ve been attending feedback sessions for umpteen-dozen years now, and there are at least five mistakes pretty much common to all of them. With some work, I think they’re all avoidable.” In this segment, Scott warns about Mistake #5 (we’re counting down to #1): “Unpolished Craft!” Quick overview of musical form structures, rhyme, prosody, euphony, etc…concluding with making sure how to capitalize on the one chance you might have with a producer.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

October 8, 2018

NMI Featured Video: two songs from BRAVO!

NMI’s newest Featured Video is a live performance of two songs from Bravo, First Prize winner of NMI’s 2017 Search for New Musicals.

Bravo is an exciting new musical by Christian Guerrero, Andrew Moorhead, and Steven Schmidt. Set in Italy during the second World War, Bravo tells the story of Renzo, a misunderstood fourteen year old who struggles to fit in with his peers in the Mussolini Fascist Youth movement. When he’s confronted with a group of Jewish children hiding in the tunnels beneath the city, he begins to question whether or not the hate he’s been taught is morally right.

NMI’s annual Search for New Musicals is part of our commitment to finding and nurturing promising new musical theatre. We offer a complete range of development services for new musicals: from dramaturgy to concert readings to full-scale productions.To find out more about NMI (New Musicals, Inc.) and the Search for New Musicals, visit http://nmi.org/develop/search-for-new-musicals.

NMI’s newest Featured Video is “Kaboom!” a story of cheating, revenge, and just deserts! It was presented as part of NMI’s 2018 15 Minute Musicals: THE GREAT DIVIDE. Find it at https://youtu.be/tf7d1WAAMRU.

Presented at the Broadwater Theatre in Hollywood as part of the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival.

The annual 15 Minute Musicals are the culminating project for NMI’s Core Curriculum program for musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers. They are conceived, written, re-written, and produced in a 10-week period at the end of the nine-month Core Curriculum program. For more info on NMI’s Core Curriculum program, visit http://nmi.org/ and click on STUDY.

To see more NMI Featured Videos, subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/NewMusicalsInc.

Find New Musicals Inc on Facebook at /newmusicalsincla and Instagram @NewMusicalsInc or on the Web at nmi.org.

NMI’s newest Featured Video is “A Family Portrait,” a story about relationships and how our perspectives can change. It was presented as part of NMI’s 2018 15 Minute Musicals: THE GREAT DIVIDE. Find it at https://youtu.be/IzPX2Av-wEg.

Book and Lyrics by Makena Metz
Music by Angela Parrish
Cast: Hannah Madeleine Goodman, Logan Mack, John David Wallis, Nichole LaMay
Directed by Elise Dewsberry
Music Director: Kevin Mathie

Presented at the Broadwater Theatre in Hollywood as part of the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival.

The annual 15 Minute Musicals are the culminating project for NMI’s Core Curriculum program for musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers. They are conceived, written, re-written, and produced in a 10-week period at the end of the nine-month Core Curriculum program.

For more info on NMI’s Core Curriculum program, visit http://nmi.org/ and click on STUDY.

To see more NMI Featured Videos, subscribe to our YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/NewMusicalsInc.

Find New Musicals Inc on Facebook at /newmusicalsincla and Instagram @NewMusicalsInc or on the Web at nmi.org.

September 24, 2018

NMI Featured Video: “Whole Lotta Outta Life” from “Manson’s Girls”

NMI’s Featured Video Release this week is: “Whole Lot Outta Life” from “Manson’s Girls,” the story of the Manson Family murders, told from the perspective of the girls. In this clip, four of Manson’s Girls rehearse a mock-protest, longing for a world in which “The Man” isn’t in charge anymore.

“Manson’s Girls” was nominated for Best Musical at the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival and voted Best Musical by Tvolution and Pick of the Fringe by Combined Art Form, with music by Ron Barnett, lyrics by Mitch Glaser, and book by Scott Guy. Directed by Scott Guy with Music Direction from Ron Barnett. This excerpt features Megan Ruble as Sadie Mae, with l. to r.: Lauran Dewey (Squeaky), Christina Anatone (Marioche) and Lia Peros (Big Patty).

With a driving, rock score and book/lyrics which explore the psyche of the girls, this story is all-too-relevant today, being a parable and warning to any of us who follows the voice of authority without stopping to question. An exciting electric fringe production from New Musicals Inc.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

“Bundled Together” is a story of love, loss, and triumph set in modern-day Amish Country. Presented at the Broadwater Theatre in Hollywood as part of the 2018 Hollywood Fringe Festival on June 21 and 23, 2018. The annual 15 Minute Musicals are the culminating project NMI’s Core Curriculum program for musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers. They are conceived, written, re-written, and produced in a 10-week period at the end of the nine-month Core Curriculum program.

Book and lyrics by Claire Partin
Music by Kat Zimmerman
Cast: Hannah Madeleine Goodman, Nichole LaMay, Logan Mack, John David Wallis
Directed by Elise Dewsberry
Music Director: Kevin Mathie

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

August 28, 2018

Open Auditions for Musical Theatre Bookwriters, Lyricists, and Composers

New Musicals Inc. is issuing an open invitation to musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers to take part in an open audition for the famed Core Curriculum at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in joining the Core Curriculum for the 2018/19 season are invited to audition by taking part in the September and October sessions. (September 22 & 23; October 20 & 21; from 2:30pm to 6:30pm PST)

“We’ll put all applicants on collaborative teams in September, and give them assignments that are due in October,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., “After the October session, we will evaluate whether or not the Core Curriculum is the right place for you.”

Successful applicants will then take part in monthly workshops (collaborative and individualized) through fall and winter. In the late spring, writers are paired one final time for a 15 minute musical, produced by NMI in a Los Angeles theatre with professional actors.

Bookwriters, lyricists and composers can apply online to reserve a space for the September auditions, or can simply show up at 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, on Saturday, September 26th at 2:30pm.

Writers can also take part from long-distance via streamcast - just email admin@nmi.org for instructions on how to join the live streamcast on September 22 and 23 (2:30pm-6:30pm PST). “During the 2017/18 season we had a largest group ever of non-local participants.” said Scott Guy, NMI’s Executive Director and author of the online Lyric Lab. “Besides the sizeable group of local participants who were in the room with us every month, we also had stream-casters taking part from Chicago, New York, and Michigan.”

The heart of the writers’ workshop at ANMT is the Core Curriculum, in which composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text. The curriculum studies both contemporary and historical musicals, giving writers and composers the chance to create traditional and cutting-edge musicals, while studying contemporary variations of timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes.

Throughout the decades, the writers workshop has trained over 400 writers, who have gone on to created hundreds of successful musicals all across the country and the world.

NEW this season: ask about our Student Discounts for current college students and recent grads.

For more information, visit www.nmi.org and click on STUDY. The direct link is: http://www.nmi.org/study/core-curriculum/

July 2, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Joshua Katzker of the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video this week is an interview with Josh Katzer from the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video this week is an interview with Andrew Panton (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) and David Bell (American Musical Theatre Project, Northwestern University) about their joint project at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

June 11, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Donna Lynn Hilton, Goodspeed Musicals

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Donna Lynn Hilton, Line Producer at Goodspeed Musicals This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

June 8, 2018

“Manson’s Girls” – new musical at the Hollywood Fringe Festival

Manson’s Girls, a new musical about the Manson Family murders, is headlining the Hollywood Fringe Festival produced by New Musicals Inc. at the Broadwater Theatre in Hollywood. Manson’s Girls traces the story of the Manson Family murders, told from the perspective of the girls through an authentic rock score by Ron Barnett and lyrics which explore the psyche of the girls.

“Frighteningly, this story is all-too-relevant today,” says the production’s director and bookwriter Scott Guy. “It’s a parable and warning to any of us who follows the voice of authority without stopping to question.”

It’s at the Hollywood Fringe, so there are minimal sets, but the costumes have been designed from original pieces by award-winning costume designer Michael Mullen.

“We’ve been developing Manson’s Girls over through workshops and concert readings, leading up to this production,” says New Musicals Inc.’s artistic director Elise Dewsberry. “We’ve been prepared for a backlash about tackling this difficult topic in a musical, but we’ve been getting astonishing response, and the reviews so far have been universally fantastic. The audiences are saying it’s thought-provoking, disturbing AND fun at the same time, which is exactly what we’re going for.”

There are four performances remaining at the Hollywood Fringe Festival: Friday, June 15 at 8pm; Saturday, June 16 at 11pm; Thursday, June 21 at 11pm; and Saturday, June 23 at 10pm. The show is playing at the Broadwater Mainstage (1076 Lillian Way) in Hollywood, is 90 minutes long, and tickets are $20 at https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5158

June 8, 2018

NMI opens new musical MANSON’S GIRLS at the Hollywood Fringe to rave reviews

New Musicals Inc. opened the new musical MANSON’S GIRLS at the Hollywood Fringe Festival last night, and the show is now receiving rave reviews.

“An astonishing accomplishment, better than I could ever have imagined. I could have watched another hour of it. Thoughtful, tuneful and by turns horrifying and hilarious. The cast was superb and the band top notch. Deserves a life beyond Fringe! “

“Brilliant show. Great approach to a somewhat taboo subject. There are some phenomenal songs that I suspect will find life outside the musical. Hummable, toe tapping, memorable songs in a Manson musical, hilarious. Music is spot on for the period, singing is stellar. Band is fantastic. Strongest moments for me were the building harmonies. When everyone on stage was singing together it was electrifying.”

“One of the best Musicals I have seen at Fringe. There was an obvious quality in the performances, songs, staging and direction.The band was tight and not too loud….A 90 min show that flew by….”

“Manson’s Girls is a chilling story made all too human through a fantastic production. Each of the women are clearly defined and instantly relatable; the actresses excel in their performances. Charles Manson’s menacing presence, while not always on stage, is apparent in each of their doting eyes. The well-rounded and beautiful score is full of thought-provoking lyrics, even the cheeky song-and-dance number “Help Yourself.” The production is an absolutely fascinating and remarkable exploration into what it means to lose one’s identity in someone else.”

“The cast is filled to the brim with dramatic and musical talents. Tasked with conveying their own skewed version of Manson, the actresses are fearless in portraying these flawed characters. Megan Rose Ruble is captivating as the fiery and rebellious Susan “Sadie Mae” Atkins; Lauran Dewey adorably idolizes Manson as Lynnette “Squeaky” Fromme; Lia Peros owns both her soft and rough-and-tumble sides as Patricia “Big Patty” Krenwinkel; Mary “Marioche” Brunner is played to maternal perfection by Christine Anatone; Karlee Squires as the unassuming Cheryl “Zephyr” Saige breaks hearts; and Erinn Elizabeth O’Sullivan’s innocent naïveté is ideal for newest Family member Linda Kasabian. James Schueller (as Charles “Tex” Watson) and Randle Rankin (as Robert “Bobby” Beausoleil) dynamically round out the Family members beholden to the charismatic and deadly Troy Armand Barboza (as Charles Manson). Lauren Byrd also makes a lovely and heartbreaking appearance as Sharon Tate days before her murder.”

MANSON’S GIRLS is the story of the Manson Family murders, told from the perspective of the girls. With a driving, rock score and book/lyrics which explore the psyche of the girls, this story is all-too-relevant today, being a parable and warning to any of us who follows the voice of authority without stopping to question. Book by Scott Guy, music by Ron Barnett, lyrics by Mitch Glaser. Directed by Scott Guy with music direction from Ron Barnett and choreography by Heather Castillo. Starring: Christine Anatone, Troy Armand Barboza, Lauran Dewey, Erinn O’Sullivan, Lia Peros, Randle Rankin, Megan Ruble, James Schueller, and Karlee Squires.

There are four performances remaining at the Hollywood Fringe Festival: Friday, June 15 at 8pm; Saturday, June 16 at 11pm; Thursday, June 21 at 11pm; and Saturday, June 23 at 10pm. The show is playing at the Broadwater Mainstage (1076 Lillian Way) in Hollywood, is 90 minutes long, and tickets are $20 at https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/5158

June 4, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: writers of CITY OF LIGHT

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Gabrielle Wagner (book) and Julie Weiner (lyrics) - two-thirds of the collaborative team (along with composer Jan Roper) of the new musical CITY OF LIGHT, developed through the NMI Full Length Curriculum. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

May 29, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Robb Hunt, Village Theatre

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Robb Hunt, Executive Producer at Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

May 21, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Broadway producer Cody Lassen

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Broadway producer Cody Lassen, of Cody Lassen & Associates. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

May 14, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Kate Galvin

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Kate Galvin, formerly the Associate Producer at the Eleventh Hour Theatre Company. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

May 7, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Amy Corcoran, Creative Associate at Aria Entertainment

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Amy Corcoran, Creative Associate at Aria Entertainment. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

NMI’s seventh national conference for musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers will be three jam-packed days of insiders’ tips about finding and approaching producers. Held at NMI’s newly-renovated facilities in North Hollywood July 27, 28 and 29.

Join us in the musical theatre trenches, practicing, polishing and perfecting your pitch. Hear first-hand from writers and producers about epic fails and successes. Fantastic networking as you’ll be joined live and online by fellow writers as well as producers from all over the country, representing regional, commercial, and touring theatres of every size and taste.

Every conference registrant will be eligible to have one musical included in our complete pitch catalogue which we’ll send to nearly 100 producers across the country two weeks after the conference.

We’re also offering an additional optional add-on: a personal five-session PITCH Boot Camp leading up to the conference in which NMI’s Executive Director will guide you and make you hit deadlines for your pitch materials; with a final follow-up session after the conference for individual advice on targeted marketing.

“The writers conference is one of the highlights of all our programs,” says NMI’s Artistic Director, Elise Dewsberry, “We’re always so gratified to see so many writers and composers networking with each other as well as with producers, agents, artistic directors and other industry folk. Our panelists always tell us what a terrific opportunity it is for THEM, to network with their fellow panelists. Several new musicals have come directly out of the conference; one was born in the middle of a panel discussion and has gone on to production.”

Proposed panels for this summer include sessions on pitching to Artistic Directors; commercial producers; festivals, and representatives from online platforms; as well as our favorite Sunday Producer’s Panel where registrants get to pitch directly to a panel of producers. New for this year: NMI will be making use of video conferencing to allow participants by panelists from across the globe.

Registration for the entire conference is $595 - single-day rates are also available.

For a $100 discount, be sure to register prior to the Early Registration Deadline of June 1.

To register or for more information, CLICK HERE, or call (818) 506-8500.

April 30, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with T.J. Dawson, Executive Producer of 3D Theatricals

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with T.J. Dawson, Executive Producer/Artistic Director of 3D Theatricals in Orange County. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

April 23, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (First Date, Second Hand Lions)

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (First Date, Second Hand Lions). This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

April 16, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Rick Boynton, Creative Producer of Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Rick Boynton, Creative Producer of Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

April 9, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Broadway producer Ken Davenport

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Broadway producer Ken Davenport, author of the Producer’s Perspective blog. Ken hosted a panel at NMI’s 2016 BIZ of the MUSICAL THEATRE BIZ Conference - to see a FREE video excerpt from his informative panel, check out http://nmi.org/develop/conference/2016-panel-videos-login/

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

April 2, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with New Voices Project 2017 winner Oliver Houser

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Oliver Houser, one of the winners of the 2017 New Voices Project at NMI. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

March 26, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Kent Nicholson, Director of Musical Theatre at Playwrights Horizons

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Kent Nicholson, Director of Musical Theatre at Playwrights Horizons in New York. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

March 19, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with award-winning director Victoria Bussert

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with award-winning director Victoria Bussert, Director of Music Theatre at Baldwin Wallace University. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

Check it out at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

March 12, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: Sybil’s Closet at the Fringe

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is our Hollywood Fringe Festival production of “Sybil’s Closet”- the story of two eccentric sisters and their surprising new neighbor. Book and Lyrics by Grace Jasmine. Music by Ross Plotkin. Directed by Warren Davis. Music Directed by Kevin Mathie. Stage Manged by Jerry A. Blackburn. Starring Bette Smith, Terri Baker Weiss, Kurt Koehler, and Sandy Kaufman.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

March 5, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Kellen Blair

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with bookwriter/lyricist Kellen Blair, the co-writer of Off Broadway’s MURDER FOR TWO. One of the things Kellen talks about is the value of his initial education through NMI’s Core Curriculum - in particular, the Lyric Lab offered at WritingMusicalTheare.com. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

March 1, 2018

New Voices Project 2018 Winners Announced

New Musicals Inc. is proud to announce that three writing teams have been selected to participate in the 2018 New Voices Project, a musical theatre development program hosted by New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles (with support from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment), now in its sixth year.

The New Voices Project is offered to a select group of young musical theatre playwrights, composers and lyricists under the age of 26, who receive workshops, readings, and concerts of their work.

“We had another record breaking year for submissions - even more than the record from last year,” explains Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., “and we only wish we could support more of these deserving young and talented artists.”

The three teams will receive workshops and feedback with NMI’s resident theatre ensemble, the Academy Repertory Company, and will then have excerpts of their work presented as part of the GOT MUSICAL concert this May.

“Being a part of [the New Voices Project] was an incredibly informative experience.” says Chris Bryon Pratt, NVP 2013 winner. “Having my material performed then dissected gave me a very clear picture of what I can improve on as a writer. I think workshops such as the New Voices Project are so monumental to young aspiring writers because the panel gives fabulous critical feedback.”

Natalie Stewart Elder (lyrics and book) and John Ervin Brooks (music and book)

The public can see a selection of works from the New Voices Project as part of the GOT MUSICAL concert, currently scheduled to take place Sunday, May 6.

“New Musicals Inc. offers a great opportunity to get the exposure that all young writers so desperately need.” says Santino DeAngelo, 2014 NVP winner. “The New Voices Project was my first chance to have my writing scrutinized by industry professionals and, throughout the course of the project, they really helped to shape the professional standards that I hold myself to today.”

Additional information about this year’s New Voices writers:

Charlie Oh graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University in 2016, studying musical theatre and playwriting. At Northwestern, he was the head writer of The Waa-Mu Show, a original student musical for which he was awarded the Craig Carnelia Songwriting Award. At school, Charlie studied songwriting with David Bell and Ryan Cunningham, as well as participating in masterclasses with Jeanine Tesori and Pasek and Paul.

Ross Baum is a 2015 graduate of NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, where he participated in residencies at Goodspeed Opera House and Two River Theater, and was selected as winner of NY City Center’s Sondheim Remix Contest. Ross also holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Syracuse University. Charlie and Ross are currently a songwriting team in the second year of the BMI Lehman Engel Workshop.

Monica Hannush is the first-generation American problem child of a Mexican mother and Lebanese father. She graduated from Yale College in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies. Upon graduation, Monica was awarded the Louis Sudler Prize for Excellence in the Arts, Yale’s highest prize for creatives and performers. Monica then moved straight to Los Angeles to write musicals and work in entertainment. She’s just another queer purple-haired lady typing away in your favorite West Hollywood coffee shop.

Julian Drucker, originally from New York, took piano lessons from an early age and began writing pop songs in high school. Julian then studied musical theater composition at Yale, where he wrote music and lyrics for three original musicals. Julian received honors in musicianship and keyboard harmony from the European-American Musical Alliance and graduated from Yale with the Selden Memorial Prize, awarded for outstanding musical accomplishment.

John Ervin Brooks was raised in San Antonio, Texas, and has been involved in the arts his whole life. He received his Bachelor of Music in Composition from Baylor University in 2015, and moved to New York to attend NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. He mostly writes comedy, but you know, he can like write other things too.

Natalie Stewart Elder is a musical theatre person from Orange County, California. They got a B.A. in Drama from UC Irvine, and an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch. Natalie is an alumnus of NMI’s Academy for New Musical Theatre Core Curriculum Program in Los Angeles, and a proud member of the Dramatists Guild. In their free time, they enjoy trying to think of new “fun facts” to put at the end of their bio.

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is our 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival production of THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT. This short new musical is a sweet take on online dating with book and lyrics by John Sparks and music by Ron Barnett. Starring Lloyd Pedersen, Luke Klipp, Hayley Marshall, Andy Goldenberg, Tristan Bailey, Elyse Bertani, and Suzanne Mayes. Director/Choreographer - Allison Bibicoff; Music Director - Jan Roper; Stage Manager - Jerry A. Blackburn. You can also check out an interview with the writing team, John Sparks and Ron Barnett.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

February 19, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Marco Gomez

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Marco Gomez of DOMA Theatre and Venture Hill Entertainment. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

February 12, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of F**KED UP FAIRY TALES

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is our 2017 Hollywood Fringe production of F**KED UP FAIRY TALES, a satire on contemporary political policy (ahem). Book & Lyrics by Grace Jasmine. Music by David Jayden Anthony. Featuring: Michael Steven Mraz, Tyler Stouffer, Joey Hunt, Megan Rees, Lia Peros, James Braxton Sherrill, David Epstein, Tayla Jan Schaffner, and Matt JJ Miller. Directed by Denis McCourt. Music Directed by Kevin Mathie. Stage Managed by Morgan Aiken. You can also check out an interview with the writing team. Presented in June of 2017. Also released is an interview with the writing team.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

February 5, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Edison Hong & Ariel Mitchell

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Edison Hong and Ariel Mitchell, winners of the 2017 New Voices Project at NMI. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

January 29, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Betsy King Militello

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Betsy King Militello, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT). This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

January 24, 2018

Write an internet musical – and get it produced!

New Musicals Inc. announces an online workshop for musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers, culminating in the creation of a series of short musicals for the internet. Which we’ll shoot in our new greenscreen soundstage!

In 2017, we hosted a fantastic two-week online musical theatre writers workshop — in which writers got the chance to write/collaborate, receive critique, rewrite, attend lectures about the craft of writing for musical theatre, and finally see their works presented in concert in front of an audience. In 2018, we’ll be focusing on musicals written for the internet. We’ll then hire actors, music directors, directors, production crew, and editors, and shoot each of the musicals which are written during this year’s workshop…and pitch them to SuperDope TV for you!

You write it, we’ll produce it!

We’ll put a few technical parameters on your final script in order to make sure we can afford to shoot it: small cast, single-location, human characters in everyday dress (rather than animals or monsters or period costumes). We’ll cast it, rehearse it, and edit it. If you want more than just piano accompaniment, that will be up to you to create.

NMI’s Executive Director, Scott Guy, spent 15 years as a writer and producer in television, garnering six Emmy nominations in his work for Disney, NBC, Warner Bros., PBS, etc. This workshop combines his television expertise with his passion for musical theatre.

We’re colleagues with Mychal Simka, the President and CEO of Simka Entertainment and SuperDope TV. He shares our interest in musical theatre, and is thrilled to see whatever comes out of the workshop. Mychal has produced three to four feature-length animated films annually, taking movies produced abroad in non-English languages and adapting them for American audiences primarily through editing and rewriting dialogue. SuperDope TV focuses on cutting-edge contemporary entertainment, aimed primarily at kids and teens.

You don’t have to gear your musical to appeal to SuperDope TV. So long as your musical meets our technical parameters, we’ll shoot it — it can be about any topic, and we won’t censor the content. However, this is a fantastic opportunity to get your work in front of a contemporary producer/distributor of kids/teens entertainment, so all other ideas being equal, you might look for an idea in that demographic as any other.

To take part, you must RESERVE YOUR SPOT no later than Wednesday February 14th, 6pm PST.

Get more info on the project and RESERVE YOUR SPOT by visiting http://nmi.org/internet-musical-workshop/

January 22, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of A ZOMBIE, A DRAGON, AND A VAMPIRE WHO SPARKKLES

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

This week’s featured video is the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival production of A ZOMBIE, A DRAGON, AND A VAMPIRE WHO SPARKLES with book by Maureen Borillo, and music and lyrics by Dan Wessels. Featuring: Megan Duquette, Desiree Nicole Staples, Aaron Eberhardt, and Jordan Mitchell-Love. Directed by Alison Eliel Kalmus; music direction by Kevin Mathie; stage managed by Jerry A. Blackburn. Presented in June of 2017. Also released is an interview with the writing team.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

January 15, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: an interview with Santino DeAngelo

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Santino DeAngelo - one of the winners of the 2014 New Voices Project. This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

January 8, 2018

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of FEET FIRST

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is the short new musical FEET FIRST by Chris Smith, Ross Plotkin, and Brad Beaver. Produced by NMI at the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival, FEET FIRST tells a sweet love story about two young guys with a mutual foot fetish. Book by Chris Smith, Music by Ross Plotkin, Lyrics by Brad Beaver, Starring Matt Valle, Frankie Rodriguez, Elise Dewsberry, and Anthon Michael Meyer. Directed by Denis McCourt; Music Directored by Kevin Mathie, Stage Managed by Morgan Aiken. Presented in June of 2017.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

January 1, 2018

Call for Submissions from Musical Theatre Writers 18-26

If you’re under the age of 26, and you’re writing for musical theatre, Walt Disney Imagineering and New Musicals Inc. would love to hear from you.

New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles is sponsoring its sixth annual New Voices Project, in which young playwrights, composers and lyricists receive workshops and concerts of their work, with feedback sessions from executives from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment and New Musicals Inc.

Selected finalists will have their work presented at an in-house concert at NMI in April and will receive critical feedback from industry professionals. After an opportunity to revise their work, selections by finalists will be presented in concert in Los Angeles in May.

Writers are encouraged to submit up to three selections, either from a single work, or separate works, for a total of 20 minutes of material. The staff of New Musicals Inc. will select up to six teams of writers for presentation and critique.

“We’re looking for writers in whom we see potential,” says NMI’s Executive Director Scott Guy. “We’re not pigeon-holing that potential: that is, we’re not looking for ‘Broadway musical’ writers per se, or ‘ground-breaking’ or ‘commercial’ or ‘avant-garde’. We’re looking for writers who are exploring their voices through the blend of music and voice. The stronger your voice and vision are, the more likely we’re going to respond to your work.”

“We have been continually impressed with the level of talent of the young writers who have submitted to the New Voices Project in the past,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “Just last year, one of our finalist teams - made up of Cristian Guerrero, Andrew Moorehead, and Steven Schmidt, went on to win our annual Search for New Musicals and will be receiving a concert reading of their full-length new musical Bravo this coming summer.”

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

The featured videos at NMI this week are interviews with Zack Zadek (New Voice Project 2014) and the writing team of Bill Nelson and Joseph Trefler (New Voices Project 2015). These interviews are part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

Check it out at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

December 11, 2017

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of CURSES!

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is the 2017 Hollywood Fringe Festival production of “Curses”: a charming cautionary tale about a woman from the neighboring shtetl with the uncanny ability to have her curses come true. Book & Lyrics by Harriet Belkin, Music by Sandy Shanin, Based on a short story by Norman Belkin. Starring: Toni-Lynn Chaco, Kelly Coughlin, Patrick Geringer, Tedd Szeto, Orlando Perez, and Lia Peros. Director — Elise Dewsberry. Music Director — Emily Cohn. Stage Manager — Morgan Aiken. Cellist — Cameron Stone. Presented in June of 2017.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

December 4, 2017

Featured Video Release from NMI: Interview with Cheri Steinkellner

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is an interview with Tony nominated bookwriter Cheri Steinkellner (Sister Act). This interview is part of a series with producers and writers of new musical theatre, originally streamed live during the 2017 Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

Check it out at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

November 27, 2017

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of KANTATA KOFFEE KOMPANY

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

November 21, 2017

Featured Video Releases from NMI: Interviews with Joe Barros and Jeff Herbst

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video releases this week are interviews with Joe Barros (Artistic Director of New York Theatre Barn) and Jeff Herbst (Artistic Director of Nothern Sky Theatre in Wisconsin). Both of these organizations are very involved in the development of new musicals.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

November 15, 2017

SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS Winners Announced

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced today at New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles.

First Prize goes to Bravo with book and lyrics by Cristian Guerrero and Andrew Moorhead, and music and lyrics by Steven Schmidt .

Second Prize goes to Alexander with book and lyrics by Gabriel Rotello, and music by Gabriel Rotello based upon the piano sonatas of Ludwig Van Beethoven.

Third Prize goes to Santa Returns with book, music, and lyrics by Stefan Broadley.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!”

Bravo takes place in Italy during the second World War. It tells the story of Renzo, a sharp tongued and misunderstood fourteen year old, who struggles to fit in with his peers in a faction of the Mussolini Fascist Youth movement. When he finds himself helping a group of Jewish children hiding in the tunnels beneath the city, he begins to question whether or not the hate he’s been taught is morally right.

Alexander is about the life of the infamous Alexander the Great - focussing on his relationship with his mystical mother Queen Olympias (who believes Alexander is the son of Zeus); and his best friend Hephastion (who dreams of a world united by the ideals of ancient Greece). Hailed in Asia as a living god, Alexander begins to believe in his own divinity, setting in motion an epic betrayal of his Greek ideals, his Macedonian companions, and his oldest friend Hephastion.

Santa Returns is the adult parable of little doubting Tommy who becomes a true believer after meeting Santa (in a dream), and forms a club with his friends to preach the good news. But a war breaks out with the evil Easter Bunny believers, and the Santa kids steal their toys on Christmas Eve expecting Santa to return to prove them right. But only when Tommy gets knocked unconscious does Santa return and reveal that (like god) he’s spiritually, not literally true.

Bravo, which was featured at this summer’s STAGES Festival of New Musicals (as part of the New Voices Project), will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company and a concert reading in Los Angeles. Alexander will receive a staff evaluation. Santa Returns will receive a Detailed Analysis from an NMI dramaturge.

NMI is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to NMI for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

Past winners of the Search have included: The Water by Jeff Hylton, Tim Werenko, and Georgia Stitt (2008); Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo (2009); Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley and Arthur Sullivan (2010); Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright (2011); Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard deRosa (2012); It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal (2013); Off the Wall by Sarah Rebell and Danny Abosch (2014), Invisible by David Hollingsworth and David Orris (2015), and Spellbound: A F@#$*d-Up Fairy Tale by Ben Boecker (2016).

All musicals submitted (at any level) to NMI by July 15, 2018 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season. Winners of the 2018 Search will be announced by November 15, 2018. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the NMI staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

Information on submitting to the Search is available by visiting www.nmi.org.

November 13, 2017

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of THANKSGIVING IN ITHACA

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

NMI’s featured video release this week is NMI’s Hollywood Fringe Festival production of THANKSGIVING IN ITHACA; book and lyrics by Mitch Glaser, music by Joseph Blodgett. This mini-opera is an irreverant retelling of the final scene of the Odyssey. Starring Tedd Szeto, Amber Hurst Martin, Shannon Martinous, Chandler Reed, Robert Leh, Pamela Welky Paul, Kila Packett, and Heidi Elisabeth Appe. Directed by Elise Dewsberry; Music Direction by Emily Cohn; Stage Managed by Morgan Aiken; Cellist - Cameron Stone. You can also check out an INTERVIEW with the writers, Mitch and Joe.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

November 6, 2017

Featured Video Release from NMI: Fringe Production of HOLLYWOOD FOREVER

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

The featured video release this week is NMI’s Hollywood Fringe Festival production of HOLLYWOOD FOREVER; book and lyrics by Robin Share, music by Ross Kalling. This charming short musical tells the story of two Hollywood teen stars who meet up again 50 years later. Starring John Sparks and Gwen Hillier. Directed by Jessica Snow Wilson; music directed by Jan Roper; stage managed by Jerry A. Blackburn.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre Festival is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

October 30, 2017

Featured Video Release from NMI: Concert Reading of SPELLBOUND the musical by Ben Boecker

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

This week’s video is the concert reading of the new musical Spellbound: A Perfect Musical Fairytale, written by Ben Boecker. This musical was the winner of the 2017 SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS and received a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company prior to the concert reading as part of the STAGES Festival on Sunday, July 30, 2017. Starring Conchita Belisle Newman, Christopher Maikish, Sari Rose Barron, Jordan Goodsell, Elise Dewsberry, Andrea Press, and Lia Peros. With Ron Barnett at the piano.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

October 23, 2017

Featured Release: Interview with Amy Engelhardt

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

This week’s video is an interview with Amy Engelhardt, the co-creator of the recent Off-Broadway musical BASTARD JONES. Amy used a unique crowd-funding model to help finance the commercial run.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

Another video from the Stages Musical Theatre Festival was just released this week. New Musicals Inc. aired 51 hours of live streamcast footage of musical theatre readings, concerts, creative sessions, as well as interviews with writers and producers, all part of the most recent Stages Musical Theatre Festival. The Festival ran for fifteen years in Chicago before New Musicals Inc. brought it to the West Coast about a decade ago.

This week’s video is an intimate creative discussion and interview with Broadway producers Tim Kashani and Pamela Winslow Kashani, from Apples and Oranges Productions, producing such Broadway hits as <i>An American In Paris, Hair</i> and <i>Memphis</i>. They also run Apples & Oranges Studio, which supports and develops new musicals, most notably through its Musical Theater Accelerator.

New Musicals Inc. studies, creates and produces new musicals. The Stages Musical Theatre is one of many programs and events which NMI hosts.

This week’s featured video, as well as many other musical-theatre-related videos, can be viewed at NMI’s FRONT ROW page at http://nmi.org/the-front-row/

September 8, 2017

Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop – Auditions for 2017-18

New Musicals Inc. is now accepting applications from musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers to take part in an open audition for the Core Curriculum - NMI’s Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop based in Los Angeles.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in joining the Core Curriculum for the 2017/18 season are invited to audition by taking part in the September and October sessions.

“We’ll put all applicants on collaborative teams in September, and give them assignments that are due in October,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., “After the October session, we will evaluate whether or not the Core Curriculum is the right place for each writer.”

Successful applicants will then take part in monthly workshops through fall and winter, working with new collaborators each month. In the late spring, writers are paired one final time for a 15 minute musical, produced by NMI in a Los Angeles theatre with professional actors.

Bookwriters, lyricists and composers can apply online to reserve a space for the September auditions, or can simply show up at 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, on Saturday, September 16th at 10:00am.

Writers can also take part from long-distance via live video-conference on September 16 (10am to 2pm PST) and 17 (2:30pm-6:30pm PST). (For information on how to join us via video-conference, please email admin@nmi.org)

“We’ve had an overwhelming response this season, with our largest ever group of potential participants already registered to take part in our September auditions,” says NMI Executive Director Scott Guy. “We can still accept more registrations during this next week, but the competition for participation is going to be pretty strong for the 2017-18 season, and we are looking forward to a very exciting year.”

The heart of the writers’ workshop at NMI is the Core Curriculum, in which composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text. The curriculum studies both contemporary and historical musicals, giving writers and composers the chance to create traditional and cutting-edge musicals, while studying contemporary variations of timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes.

Throughout the decades, the writers workshop has trained over 400 writers, who have gone on to created hundreds of successful musicals all across the country and the world.

For more information, visit www.nmi.org and click on STUDY. The direct link is: http://www.nmi.org/study/core-curriculum/

July 20, 2017

STAGES Festival of New Musicals STREAMING LIVE

A twenty-year musical theatre tradition will be streamed live for the first time this year. New Musicals Inc. will host the 20th STAGES FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS from July 28th through July 30th in North Hollywood, and streamcast it across the globe.

For the first time since its inception, the STAGES Festival will feature streaming of live and recorded new musical theatre events 24/7 beginning at 7:00pm on Friday July 28 and continue through Sunday evening July 30th.

“For years, we’ve been presenting the STAGES Festival for years as a one or two weekend marathon of readings of new musicals,” says NMI Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “but this year we’re reaching out to a broader audience from outside the local LA area.”

The live events include the New Voices Project Concert, featuring writers under age 26 (Friday, July 28 at 7:00pm); a concert reading of Michael Shapiro’s The Bully Problem, developed through NMI’s Sandbox developmental program (Saturday, July 29 at 8pm); and a concert reading of the winner of the 2017 Search for New Musicals, Spellbound! A F@$&ked-Up Musical Fairy Tale, by Ben Boecker (Sunday, July 30 at 7:30pm). All live events will take place at New Musicals Inc., 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood. (Visit the NMI website for info and reservations).

“For the 20th anniversary of Stages Festival,” says NMI Executive Director Scott Guy, “We thought we should do something really ambitious and new. We’ve spent the last couple of months recording over 40 interviews with musical theatre professionals and collecting footage from various sources, including twelve musicals which were part of the Hollywood Fringe Festival in June. We’ve been driven to have continuous programming streaming all weekend long.”

Interviews with writers, producers and theatre artists recorded especially for the Stages Festival include:

Broadway producer Ken Davenport (The Producer’s Perspective Blog); along with a lecture from Ken recorded at NMI’s Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz Conference last summer;

Kellen Blair, co-creator of the Off Broadway musical MURDER FOR TWO, along with the documentary he shot when he went through the 15 Minute Musical process at NMI;

Amy Corcoran of London’s Aria Entertainment;

Kate Galvin, Associate Producer at 11th Hour Theatre in Philadelphia;

Marco Gomez, Artistic Director of DOMA Theatre Company in Los Angeles, along with footage from their world premiere of the new musical DORIAN’S DESCENT

Jeff Herbst, Artistic Director of Northern Sky Theatre in Wisconsin, along with an interview from Richard Castle and Matthew Levine, writers of OKLAHOMA IN WISCONSIN which just received its world premiere at Northern Sky;

Broadway producer Cody Lassen (SPRING AWAKENING);

Cheri Steinkellner, Tony nominee as co-bookwriter for Broadway’s SISTER ACT; including Cheri’s TED TALK on how to make your writing funnier;

Josh Katzker, Artistic Associate from Fingerlakes Music Festival in New York

Betsy King-Militello, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT) in New York;

Rick Boynton, Creative Producer at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, along with promo footage from three of the many world premiere musicals produced at Chicago Shakes

Donna Lynn Hilton, Line Producer at Goodspeed Musicals in Connecticut;

Robb Hunt, Executive Producer of the Village Theatre in Issaquah, Washington;

Gabrielle Wagner and Julie Weiner, from the creative team behind CITY OF LIGHT which received a world premiere production this past month in New York;

Tim Kashani and Pamela Winslow Kashani of Apples and Oranges Studios;

Kent Nicholson, Director of Musical Theatre at Playwrights Horizons in New York;

Michael Rubinoff, Producer at the Canadian Musical Theatre Project at Sheridan College in Toronto (and the man who commissioned and developed the Tony nominated new musical COME FROM AWAY).

Additional programming includes

Footage from all twelve of the brand new short musicals produced by NMI under the umbrella of 1001 Minutes of New Musicals at the Hollywood Fringe Festival last month; as well as interviews with many of the creative teams from the shows

A host of fabulous new musical theatre songs written by writers all over the country and performed as part of the cabaret A LITTLE NEW MUSIC in Los Angeles

“The Customer Is Always Right” and “I Quit!” – two “pop-up” musicals produced by New Musicals Inc;

Tips and lectures on the craft of writing musical theatre from NMI staff

The five part musical webseries “Coffee Quintet” by NMI writers Chana Wise and Carl Johnson;

An insider’s look at a series of brand new songs written on the occasion of NMI Artistic Director’s 60th birthday by NMI writers including Lori Jaroslow and Morgan Hollingsworth, Larry Todd Cousineau and Cindy O’Connor, Chana Wise and Cindy O’Connor, Jake Anthony, Ron Barnett, and Mitch Glaser and Bryan Blaskie.

Reservation for the live events, as well as program information and the link to the streamcast can be found at http://nmi.org/stages-musical-theatre-festival-2017/

June 5, 2017

Pick of the Fringe awarded to New Musicals Inc

New Musicals Inc. has just been awarded the Pick of the Fringe award.

Pick of the Fringe is Combined Artform and Fringe Management’s fourth year of offering this prestigious award. Modeled after Edenborough’s similarly-named award, independent judges are sent to see productions across every genre, and then live highlights are presented from five different top Fringe shows. Historically, many of their choices have gone on to win major awards, including several Encore winners.

“We’re thrilled and honored to be selected for Pick of the Fringe,” says Elise Dewsberry, NMI’s Artistic Director. “We’ve been honing our musicals for several months, and now that audiences are beginning to flock to see them, it’s very rewarding to see the writers’ work recognized.”

NMI is producing four productions at the Hollywood Fringe this season, each comprised of three unique one-acts. Production C has been chosen as Pick of the Fringe.Production C features The Wedding Night, book by Jana Hejdukova, music by Stephen Coleman, lyrics by Keith Dale Gordon; Curses, book and lyrics by Harriet Belkin, music by Sandy Shanin, based on a short story by Norman Belkin; and Thanksgiving in Ithaca, book and lyrics by Mitch Glaser, music by Joe Blodgett.

Production C has already sold out one of its performances, and the remaining performances on June 14 at 9pm, June 15 at 7:30pm, June 18 at 3pm, and June 23 at 9pm are selling out quickly. Tickets may be purchased through the Hollywood Fringe website: www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/4412.

The other productions, named Production A, Production B, and Production D feature nine other one-act musicals written specifically for the Fringe Festival. The one acts have a large range of topics and styles: from film noir parody, goofy nerd zombie role-playing, to R-rated naughtier fare about fetishes and video voyeurism.

June 1, 2017

NMI INVITES SUBMISSIONS FOR CONFERENCE ON THE CRAFT OF WRITING MUSICAL THEATRE

New Musicals Inc. and the Academy for New Musical Theatre are joining forces to present an extraordinary conference for musical theatre writers, entirely online, over a two-week period from July 10-27, 2017. The conference will focus on the craft of writing musical theatre, as writers get the chance to write/collaborate, receive critique, rewrite, attend lectures about the craft of writing for musical theatre, and finally see their works presented in concert in front of an audience.

“We’re designing this conference to take place entirely online,” explains NMI’s Executive Director Scott Guy, “So writers can participate from anywhere in the world. We have the capability of including as many as 24 simultaneous video streams, but lectures will be recorded, in case time zones are an issue.”

After an inspiring keynote speaker to launch the conference, writers will present material for feedback, followed by a lecture. At the end of the first day, writers will be teamed with collaborators and given a scene/song which will be due on the third day of the conference. NMI will present the material live in Los Angeles, followed by feedback and then another lecture. There will then be a second scene/song with new collaborators, followed by a second round of presentation and feedback.

The second week of the conference will team collaborators together to write a ten minute musical, with a few sessions of feedback, culminating in a rehearsed presentation in front of an invited audience.

Depending on the success of the final presentation, NMI might include screening of the ten-minute conference musicals during Stages Musical Theatre Festival in the weekend which immediately follows the conference.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity not only for the writers, but for us,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “We get to work with writers all around the world, and everyone gets to work with three sets of potential collaborators. Plus, we’re all gathered together talking about the craft of writing musicals, discussing what’s important, what’s trending, and what’s the future of musical theatre.”

The conference takes place July 10-23, online, although participants MAY attend in person at NMI’s workshops in North Hollywood. Rehearsals for the ten-minute musicals will be July 24-25, with presentation on July 26th.

Registration closes June 21; the cost of registration is $450. Participation is limited and by invitation only. To be considered for the conference, writers should email admin@nmi.org with a brief resume, artistic statement, and an indication of which craft the writer would like to focus on for the conference (pick one): bookwriter, composer, lyricist.

March 3, 2017

Winners of 2017 New Voices Project announced

New Musicals Inc. is proud to announce that nine writing teams (with a total of 17 writers and composers) have been selected to participate in the 2017 New Voices Project, a musical theatre development program hosted by New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles (with support from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment), now in its fifth year.

The New Voices Project is offered to a select group young musical theatre playwrights, composers and lyricists under the age of 26, who receive workshops, readings, and concerts of their work.

“We had a record number of submissions this year,” explains Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., “and we are excited to be able to offer support to so many of these young and talented artists.”

All of the teams will receive workshops and feedback with NMI’s resident theatre ensemble, the Academy Repertory Company, and will then have excerpts of their work presented as part of the STAGES Festival of New Musicals this summer.

“Being a part of [the New Voices Project] was an incredibly informative experience.” says Chris Bryon Pratt, NVP 2013 winner. “Having my material performed then dissected gave me a very clear picture of what I can improve on as a writer. I think workshops such as the New Voices Project are so monumental to young aspiring writers because the panel gives fabulous critical feedback.”

The teams chosen to participate this year are:

Amanda D’Archangelis and Anderson Cook

Ariel Mitchell and Edison Hong

Cristian Guerrero, Andrew Moorhead, and Steven Schmidt

Eliot Rhys and Oscar Jacques

Jackson Teeley

Jonathan Horn and Luke Davidson

Jude Obermüller and David Gomez

Marina Toft, David Lancelle

Oliver Houser

The public can see a selection of works from the New Voices Project as part of the STAGES Festival of New Musicals, currently scheduled to take place at the end of July, 2017.

“New Musicals Inc. offers a great opportunity to get the exposure that all young writers so desperately need.” says Santino DeAngelo, 2014 NVP winner. “The New Voices Project was my first chance to have my writing scrutinized by industry professionals and, throughout the course of the project, they really helped to shape the professional standards that I hold myself to today.”

Additional information about this year’s New Voices writers:

Anderson Cook is a playwright and lyricist currently pursuing an MFA in Dramatic Writing at Carnegie Mellon University. His musicals have appeared at the PIT (NYC), the Reckless Theatre (NYC), the Boston Conservatory, and will appear next season at Dad’s Garage and in Stockholm, Sweden.

Amanda D’Archangelis is a New York based actress, composer, and performer currently in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Her music has been performed by The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, featured in the Musematch series at 54 Below, and in the NYMF song cycle, Outliers.

Ariel Mitchell has a BA in Playwriting (Music minor) from Brigham Young University and an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing NYU. She was awarded the KCACTF Harold and Mimi Steinberg 2013 National Student Playwriting Award, and the 2011 Vera Hinckley Mayhew Award.

Edison Hong, a New York and São Paulo based composer, is a proud recipient of the Richie Jackson Fellowship, and has been chosen for Prospect Theatre’s Musical Theatre Lab and the National Asian Artists Project’s Discover Series. He received his MFA at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU.

Cristian Guerrero is an LA based actor and writer who holds his B.F.A in Acting from Chapman University, is currently a teaching artist at Theatre 360 Performing Arts Academy in Pasadena, and Co-Artistic Director of his theatre company founded with Moorhead and Schmidt, play/ground theatre company.

Andrew Moorhead is an LA based writer, actor, and director whose original work has been produced at Berkeley Repertory Theater and The Actor’s Company in West Hollywood. He holds a BFA in screen-acting from Chapman University, and is currently the co-artistic director of play/ground theatre company (which he founded with Guerrero and Schmidt).

Steven Schmidt is a writer, musician, and educator from the Los Angeles area who has a BMA in arranging and composition from Azusa Pacific University, is the Music Director of play/ground theatre company in Hollywood, and currently teaches at the Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and Balboa Magnate Elementary.

Eliot Rhys and Oscar Jacques are writing partners working out of Edinburgh known for their short films that have been finalists at festivals such as Edinburgh International Film Festival. Eliot is an award-winning composer, and Oscar is a veteran musical-theatre performer.

Jackson Teeley is a musical theatre writer and performer who currently lives in Brooklyn and is participating in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop.

Luke Davidson is in his final semester at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY where he is studying to receive his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. He has acted in a variety of roles and performed in numerous venues across Minnesota and areas of New York.

Jonathan Horn is set to graduate in May 2017 with two degrees – one in Theatre, and one in Music – from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, MN. He has served as an actor, director, musical director, and accompanist for productions in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, and has released an album of piano music, including several original pieces.

David Gomez is a NYC based composer/lyricist, and librettist whose first mini-musical debuted at Joe’s Pub, and whose second musical was selected for a developmental lab through the Pace New Musicals program. Rumple, his newest musical with Jude, has been selected to debut in Kansas City in 2018 through MTKC.

Jude Obermüller recently won the Menken Remixed competition at City Center and had several works included in NYMF’s 2016 season. He is the music director/arranger for Frances Ruffelle and has provided several arrangements for Cynthia Erivo. Bardo, his musical webseries will be filmed and recorded this year in the UK.

Marina Toft is a lyricist and bookwriter who is currently an MFA candidate at NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program. With composer Benji Goldsmith, she was a 2016 New Voices Project finalist with NMI and Walt Disney Imagineering.

David Lancelle is a composer who is currently an MFA candidate at NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program. His 10-minute musical, The Qualms, was produced at Barrington Stage last summer.

Oliver Houser is an actor and musical theatre writer who is a recent graduate of the Macaulay Honors Program at Hunter College and is a member of ASCAP, MTF, and the Advanced BMI musical theater workshop.

Call for Submissions from Musical Theatre Writers 18-26

If you’re under the age of 26, and you’re writing for musical theatre, Walt Disney Imagineering and New Musicals Inc. would love to hear from you.

New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles is sponsoring its fifth annual New Voices Project, in which young playwrights, composers and lyricists receive workshops and concerts of their work, with feedback sessions from executives from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment and New Musicals Inc.

Selected finalists will have their work presented at NMI’s annual got musical concert in Los Angeles in the early spring. Following the concert, finalists will receive critical feedback from industry professionals and be given the opportunity to revise their work. The revised pieces will be presented as part of NMI’s STAGES Festival of New Musicals in the summer of 2017.

Writers are encouraged to submit up to three selections, either from a single work, or separate works, for a total of 20 minutes of material. The staff of New Musicals Inc. will select up to six teams of writers for presentation and critique.

The finalists work will be presented in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, as part of NMI’s annual showcase, “got musical,” which features highlights of musicals in development at NMI; will receive feedback from the NMI staff and representatives from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment; and the writers will then be given an opportunity to rewrite and resubmit in time to be presented as part of the STAGES Festival of New Musicals in the summer of 2017.

“We’re looking for writers in whom we see potential,” says NMI’s Executive Director Scott Guy. “We’re not pigeon-holing that potential: that is, we’re not looking for ‘Broadway musical’ writers per se, or ‘ground-breaking’ or ‘commercial’ or ‘avant-garde’. We’re looking for writers who are exploring their voices through the blend of music and voice. The stronger your voice and vision are, the more likely we’re going to respond to your work.”

“We have been continually impressed with the level of talent of the young writers who have submitted to the New Voices Project in the past,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “As only one example, Ben Boecker was originally a Merit Finalist in 2015; then went on to be a finalist in 2016; and recently submitted to and won first prize in our annual Search for New Musicals. This means that Ben’s musical Spellbound will be presented in its entirety as part of the STAGES Festival this summer.”

Timeline:
Open for Submissions: January 1, 2017
Deadline for Submissions: February 15, 2017
Winners Announced: March 1, 2017

There is no application fee. NMI is hopeful that funds will be available to fly the winning participants to Los Angeles for the got musical presentation in April, but such funding is not yet secured.

January 18, 2017

Online Conference for Musical Theatre Writers

New Musicals Inc. is launching an online conference for musical theatre writers, focusing on business issues such as contracts, fundraising, copyright, how to approach producers (and how not to approach producers).

Every other year, NMI hosts a national conference live in Los Angeles. The online version features 19 videos of highlights from many of the conference panels.

The August conference featured writers, attorneys, producers, artistic directors, actors, composers, and other theatre artists and industry experts. One of the keynote speakers of the 2016 conference was Ken Davenport of Davenport Theatricals (Spring Awakening, Grease, Altar Boyz, Daddy Long Legs, etc.) Davenport gave lots of practical advice, insights and strategies to writers about producing, fundraising and marketing new musicals. The online conference excerpts five of Davenport’s hottest topics, and two “case studies” from among conference participants he advised for everyone to hear.

Entertainment attorneys Gordon Firemark and Michael Blaha gave us thousands of dollars’ worth of advice about the legal aspects of musical theatre including topics such as collaboration agreements, permissions and rights, and merger in three excerted videos.

NMI’s artistic director Elise Dewsberry says that NMI has been contemplating creating an online version of the conference since its inception in 2008. “We always hope writers will attend in person, because the networking is so fantastic. Writers get to rub shoulders with producers, directors, writers, entertainment attorneys, money-raisers, and dramaturgs…it’s an experience you can’t duplicate online. But for those writers who can’t attend in person, we’re hoping the online version is the next best thing.”

Online viewers will miss the opportunity to present their musicals directly to producers; but two of the online videos are from the panel with producers giving advice how to approach them. Producers Daniel Henning, Michael Blaha, and Michael Michetti represent the Blank Theatre, Edinburgh Festival and Boston Court Theatre.

An additional set of seven videos feature tips and tricks from the screenwriting and television world, presented by Scott Guy (Disney, Warner Bros., NBC, PBS, etc.).

The online conference costs $195, which is a third of the cost of the full live conference ($595). The NMI website features two free videos for visitors to sample before committing to the purchase of the entire online conference.

To see the free videos and register for the online conference, visit nmi.org, or the direct link: http://nmi.org/develop/conference/2016-panel-videos-login/

November 20, 2016

SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS Winners Announced

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced today at New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles.

First Prize goes to Spellbound! A Perfect Musical Fairytale with book, music, and lyrics by Ben Boecker.

Second Prize goes to WikiMusical with book and lyrics by Frank Ceruzzi and Blake J. Harris and music by Trent Jeffords.

Third Prize goes to Assistants with book, music, and lyrics by Bryan Blaskie and Manny Hagopian

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!”

Spellbound! tells the story of Cedarella, a witch who identifies more with Princesses than Witches, so she runs away from home to seek her One True Love in the mountains. She meets an Extreme Gardener named Hunter, whom she likes but ultimately rejects because he is not tall enough. Cedarella finally meets her perfect One True Love only to discover that he is a robot designed by her evil aunts to suck all of the love out of her heart. Will Cedarella be able to meld her fairytale vision of love with the real world? Or will her evil aunts suck all of the love out of her heart before she can?

WikiMusical tells the epic tale of two estranged brothers who are magically zapped inside the Internet. The brothers must put aside their differences and come to terms with their pasts in order to save the future. A quintessential quest story, WikiMusical shows us how our obsession with the virtual world has affected our ability to live in the real one.

Assistants the Musical follows four aspiring Hollywood go-getters as they explore the superiority complex and the glamorous lifestyle of Los Angeles that seems to elevate its participants above “ordinary” people. They maneuver around long hours, degrading work, and hostile environments in the name of their big dream. All alone in the bustling city of L.A., the characters find that they may need some assistance of their own.

Spellbound!, which was featured at Got Musical (as part of the New Voices Project), will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company and a concert reading in Los Angeles. WikiMusical will receive a staff evaluation. Assistants will receive a Detailed Analysis from an NMI dramaturge.

NMI is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to NMI for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

Past winners of the Search have included: The Water by Jeff Hylton, Tim Werenko, and Georgia Stitt (2008); Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo (2009); Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley and Arthur Sullivan (2010); Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright (2011); Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard deRosa (2012); It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal (2013); Off the Wall by Sarah Rebell and Danny Abosch (2014), and Invisible by David Hollingsworth and David Orris (2015).

All musicals submitted (at any level) to NMI by July 15, 2017 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season. Winners of the 2017 Search will be announced by November 15, 2017. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the NMI staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

Information on submitting to the Search is available by visiting www.nmi.org.

August 6, 2016

L.A. Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop Auditions

New Musicals Inc. is now accepting applications from musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers to take part in an open audition for the Core Curriculum - NMI’s Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop in Los Angeles.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in joining the Core Curriculum for the 2016/17 season are invited to audition by taking part in the September and October sessions. (September 17 & 18; October 15 & 16; from 2:30pm to 6:30pm PST)

“We’ll put all applicants on collaborative teams in September, and give them assignments that are due in October,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., “After the October session, we will evaluate whether or not the Core Curriculum is the right place for each writer.”

Successful applicants will then take part in monthly workshops through fall and winter, working with new collaborators each month. In the late spring, writers are paired one final time for a 15 minute musical, produced by NMI in a Los Angeles theatre with professional actors.

Bookwriters, lyricists and composers can apply online to reserve a space for the September auditions, or can simply show up at 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, on Saturday, September 17th at 2:30pm.

Writers can also take part from long-distance via live video-conference on September 17 and 18 (2:30pm-6:30pm PST). (For information on how to join us via video-conference, please email admin@nmi.org)

“During the 2015/16 season, we had nearly half of the workshop joining us via video-conference.” said Scott Guy, NMI’s Executive Director and author of the online Lyric Lab. “Besides the group of local participants who were in the room with us every month, we also had writers taking part from New York, Atlanta, Santa Cruz, Australia and Edmonton, Canada.”

The heart of the writers’ workshop at NMI is the Core Curriculum, in which composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text. The curriculum studies both contemporary and historical musicals, giving writers and composers the chance to create traditional and cutting-edge musicals, while studying contemporary variations of timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes.

Throughout the decades, the writers workshop has trained over 400 writers, who have gone on to created hundreds of successful musicals all across the country and the world.

For more information, visit www.nmi.org and click on STUDY. The direct link is: http://www.nmi.org/study/core-curriculum/

July 5, 2016

New creative panel added to Musical Theatre Writers’ Conference

New Musicals Inc. has announced a new panel “What Makes a Good Idea for a Musical?” as part of their sixth national conference for musical theatre writers in Burbank on July 22-24. The Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz Conference is for musical theatre writers and producers focusing on the business side of the musical theatre business. The conference features panels and networking with producers, directors, writers, entertainment attorneys, money-raisers, dramaturgs and other insider theatre professionals.

“We’ve had an overwhelming demand from our writers asking us how to know what makes a good musical, and how to avoid spending years and years and lots of money on a BAD idea,” says Elise Dewsberry, NMI’s Artistic Director. Where can you find a good idea for a musical? How do you know a good idea when you’ve found it? How can you head off a problematic idea before you start?”

The new panel addresses these issues head on. The panel assumes that conference participants don’t control the rights to blockbuster movies or novels, and so they are always on the lookout for compelling stories and characters which can drive their next musical.

NMI’s Executive Director Scott Guy will take writers and composers through a whirlwind of idea-generating techniques and resources, developed through his years as a television writer/producer at Disney, PBS, NBC and Warner Bros.

Fellow conference panelist and Broadway producer Ken Davenport says, “Maybe you haven’t yet heard of New Musicals Inc., but you should know them. They run both a professional development branch, creating musicals for regional and local producers, as well as the Academy for New Musical Theatre, which has offered the fabled Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop on the West Coast since the days of Lehman Engel himself. They’re also the ones who sponsor the New Voices Project for writers under the age of 26, as well as workshops, concerts, productions, and this writers’ conference. I really support them and their mission.”

The new panel will take place on the third day of the conference, Sunday July 24th at 10:00am. New Musicals Inc.’s Sixth Biennial Conference on the BIZ of the Musical Theatre BIZ is at the ANC conference center in Burbank, July 22-24. To register or for more information, visit: http://nmi.org/develop/conference/

July 1, 2016

Search for New Musicals Deadline July 15

Have you written a great new musical, and are you looking for feedback and/or an opportunity for a concert reading? Don’t miss the July 15 deadline for the annual Search for New Musicals at New Musicals Inc.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entries from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so I’m looking forward to seeing what submissions we will get this season.”

Established in 2008, the Search for New Musicals has awarded concert readings and/or workshops to promising new musicals including Invisible by David Hollingsworth and David Orris; Caroline and George by Michael Finke; Morality Play by Janet Burroway, Matthew M. Kiedrowski and Curtis Powell; Off the Wall by Sarah Rebell and Danny Abosch; The Anarchist Girli by J. Linn Allen and Cris Wo; It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal; The Looking Glass Wars by by Kurt Kuenne, based on the novel by Frank Beddor; Infamous by Karen M. Cohen and Stephen Kingsbury; Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard de Rosa; Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright; Chapter Eleven by Stephen Telfer; Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley; The Water by Georgia Stitt, Jeff Hylton, and Tim Werenko; Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Jr., Chris Budinich, Diana Belkowski, Dan Tramon, and Carl Anthony Tramon; Girl Detective by Alan Gordon and Mark Sutton-Smith; Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo; The Next Fairy Tale by Brian Pugach; and Life After Life by Tracey Langran Corea and Thaddeus Corea.

If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to NMI for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

The submission deadline this season is July 15, 2016. All submissions will receive either an audio Overview Evaluation ($195 submission level) or an audio/video Detailed Analysis ($400 submission level), and will also be automatically entered into the Search contest.

“I’ve never received a more cogent and usable evaluation,” wrote Search writer Elliott Baker (author of The Tooth Fairy’s Daughter). “I’m very comfortable with the critique process but I have never finished reading a critique/evaluation with as much desire and energy to go to work on and polish a piece.”

“The evaluation was far more in-depth than I expected and seemed to cover all the key aspects of the show. Frankly, I found it more helpful than a staged reading would have been,” stated Search participant Barbara Campbell (bookwriter/lyricist of The Awakening). “This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic ‘nuts and bolts’ than I have ever received to date.”

British writer Michael Dresser stated “The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!”

All entries will receive constructive dramaturgical feedback, and will be entered in the Search contest. The winner of the 2016 Search will be announced by November 16, and will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the NMI staff, and will be given a concert reading in Los Angeles.

Writers can submit their shows electronically via NMI’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via NMI’s website: www.nmi.org

New Musicals Inc. has announced Ken Davenport as a keynote panelist at their sixth national conference for musical theatre writers in Burbank on July 22-24. The Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz Conference is for musical theatre writers and producers focusing on the business side of the musical theatre business. The conference features panels and networking with producers, directors, writers, entertainment attorneys, money-raisers, dramaturgs and other insider theatre professionals.

“We’re thrilled to have Ken Davenport with us for an entire session,” says Scott Guy, the conference’s Executive Producer. “Ken’s the guy who’s breaking new ground with streamcasts like Daddy Long Legs, his amazing social media savvy, and producing credits which include over a dozen Broadway shows.”

Davenport will be speaking about how to get producers to readings, whether writers should self-produce, and next steps writers might contemplate in their musical theatre writing careers. Then there will be a Q&A session for writers to ask him about their own particular questions.

Davenport writes, “In 2014, I was on a panel at this conference, along with some other producers, giving comments on writers’ pitches. My fellow panelists were articulate, supportive and fair, and I think we helped many of the writers to create stronger pitches.”

“Maybe you haven’t yet heard of New Musicals Inc.,” Davenport continues, “but you should know them. They run both a professional development branch, creating musicals for regional and local producers, as well as the Academy for New Musical Theatre, which has offered the fabled Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop on the West Coast since the days of Lehman Engel himself. They’re also the ones who sponsor the New Voices Project for writers under the age of 26, as well as workshops, concerts, productions, and this writers’ conference. I really support them and their mission.”

Davenport’s producing credentials include Deaf West Theatre’s Spring Awakening, Allegiance, The Visit, Kinky Boots, Macbeth, Mothers and Sons, and Godspell, as well as six Off-Broadway shows, including Altar Boyz, The Awesome 80s Prom, That Bachelorette Show, and Daddy Long Legs.

“Face-to-face with Ken Davenport,” says Guy, “It doesn’t get any better than that!”

New Musicals Inc.’s sixth biennial Conference on the BIZ of the Musical Theatre BIZ is at the ANC conference center in Burbank, July 22-24. To register or for more information, visit: http://nmi.org/develop/conference/

May 27, 2016

Musical Theatre Conference Early Registration Deadline June 1

The early registration deadline for the sixth biennial Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz Conference is coming up on June 1.

New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles is hosting a conference just for musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers. EIGHT incredible panels, multiple power-networking sessions, and several opportunities to pitch your musical to producers all around the country. The Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz is a jam-packed weekend with producers, directors, writers, entertainment attorneys, money-raisers, dramaturgs and other insider theatre professionals ready to rub shoulders with you and answer your questions. If you’re serious about your musical theatre writing career, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss.

The conference this year will take place the weekend of July 22, 23, and 24 – in a brand new conference facility in Burbank. Among the panels is a session with Broadway producer Ken Davenport (Spring Awakening, The Visit, Kinky Boots, Mothers and Sons, and Godspell, as well as six Off-Broadway shows, including Altar Boyz, and Daddy Long Legs). There will also be panels on finding funding; getting info from lawyers; and a unique “Pitch Panel” writers get a chance to pitch musicals to a panel of producers.

New panelists are coming on board all the time, but the list so far includes:

PLUS! - Some musicals written by conference participants will receive staged-reading presentations of excerpts; followed by a feedback session with NMI staffers and guests. The conference moderators will talk about how staged-readings have become such a critical step in the development of your show, and their vital importance nationally at places like the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Village Theatre, Goodspeed, etc.

There is an Early Registration discount of $100 off the full conference for participants who sign up by June 1st.

National Conference for Musical Theatre Bookwriters, Lyricists, and Composers

New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles is hosting a conference just for musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers. EIGHT incredible panels, eleven power-networking sessions, and several opportunities to pitch your musical to producers all around the country. “The Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz” is a jam-packed weekend with producers, directors, writers, entertainment attorneys, money-raisers, dramaturgs and other insider theatre professionals ready to rub shoulders with you and answer your questions. If you’re serious about your musical theatre writing career, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss.

The conference this year will take place the weekend of July 22, 23, and 24 – in a brand new conference facility in Burbank. Among the panels is a session with Broadway producer Ken Davenport (Spring Awakening, The Visit, Kinky Boots, Mothers and Sons, and Godspell, as well as six Off-Broadway shows, including Altar Boyz, and Daddy Long Legs). There will also be panels on finding funding; getting info from lawyers; and a unique “Pitch Panel” writers get a chance to pitch musicals to a panel of producers. Other panelists this year include producers Mark Waldman (Carrie), Kenny Alhadeff (Memphis), Tim Kashani (American in Paris), Michael Shepperd (TheColor Purple at Celebration Theatre), etc., etc.

PLUS! - Some musicals written by conference participants will receive staged-reading presentations of excerpts; followed by a feedback session with NMI staffers and guests. The conference moderators will talk about how staged-readings have become such a critical step in the development of your show, and their vital importance nationally at places like the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Village Theatre, Goodspeed, etc.

There is an Early Registration discount of $100 off the full conference for participants who sign up by June 1st.

NMI Announces cast for staged reading of INVISIBLE

New Musicals Inc. (in cooperation with 3-D Theatricals) is thrilled to announce the cast for the upcoming staged reading of the new musical Invisible, with book by David Hollingsworth and lyrics and music by David Orris.

Invisible was developed through NMI’s curriculum; was presented at the STAGES Festival in the summer of 2015; and won NMI’s annual SEARCH for New Musicals this year. This concert reading will be co-directed by 3-D Theatrical’s Artistic Director T.J. Dawson and NMI’s Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry; with music direction by Ron Barnett; sound design by Julie Ferrin; and puppet design by Patricio Wolovich.

The cast is set to include Michael Thomas Grant (For the Record: Dear John Hughes, UMPO: Clueless, UMPO: Scream) and Daniel Amerman (Arrested Development, The Office, Glee, CSI:NY, Awkward, and the ABC Family prank show “Freak Out”) as the high school nerds, Griff and Kemper who brew up a potion intended to make them popular (but which accidentally turns Griff invisible). Ashley Argota (The Fosters, Girl Meets World, True Jackson, VP, The Lion King on Broadway) is the goth girl, Hemlock; and Jordan Goodsell (Frozen: Live at the Hyperion) is the jock Chetwick. The cast is rounded out with Christie Brooke and Natalie MacDonald as the twins Melrose and Madison Lindeborne; Jay Cramer as Principal Sherman; Luke Klipp as Mr. Reeves, and Luke Matthew Simon and Daniel Mills as the flunkies Craig and Jackal.

Invisible is a John-Hughes-esque musical theatre re-interpretation of the HG Wells classic The Invisible Man with a totally original pop/rock score that takes great joy in paying homage to popular music and popular cultural tropes of the era. The show ultimately endeavors to physically and figuratively bring the audience into their own hallowed high school hallways via the heightened and dangerous halls of Springborough High School. Invisible lives in the fairly self-concerned and narcissistic year of 1988, because at its core, it is a show about what it means to cut away all of the cultural and social melodrama and truly see another human being.

The presentations will take place on Monday, June 6 (8:00pm) at the Colony Theatre in Burbank; and again on Tuesday, June 7 (8:00pm) at the 3-D Theatricals Rehearsal Hall in Anaheim. Visit www.nmi.org to learn more.

NMI has launched an Indiegogo Campaign designed to sell out the house for June 6, and to support the development of more new musicals like Invisible. To support the campaign, visit https://igg.me/at/invisible-the-musical between May 1 and May 15.

April 20, 2016

East West Players and New Musicals Inc. Announce Finalists for Musical Theatre Initiative

This week, East West Players (EWP) and New Musicals Inc. (NMI) are proud to announce the Finalists for their joint initiative to develop a new musical.

We also received submissions from teams of promising young writers and we would like to give Honorable Mention to two in particular - the Pennsylvania team of Gabrielle Harrison (17), Michael Tang (16), and Anna Tang (12); as well as to Thirdy Saruca, a 16-year-old student living in the Philippines.

“We received four times the number of proposals we were expecting ,” says Snehal Desai, EWP’s Associate Artistic Director. “Submissions arrived from all over the world. It’s been very difficult to decide which musicals to go forward with; there were many compelling projects and extremely diverse and talented creative teams to choose from.”

East West Players and New Musicals Inc. will be nurturing the works over the next year or two through workshops and concert presentations before potentially selecting one for production. “We wish we could produce all eleven of these musicals,” admits Elise Dewsberry, NMI’s Artistic Director, “but that’s unrealistic, of course. However, we do hope to support each of them somehow. We’ll be speaking with the writing teams in the next few weeks to talk about next steps for each of them.”

From this finalist pool, NMI and EWP will select up to three projects that they will develop through the fall and into the spring of 2017. “Each team will find its own path,” says Desai. “It’s wonderful to think of all the amazing musical theatre ahead of us. The work ranges from experimental and contemporary to commercial and traditional, and everything in between. But all of it is speaking to the Asian American experience. We can’t wait to start sharing these works with our audiences.”

New Musicals Inc. has established a growing reputation for creating original musicals directly for producers. They are currently working with Deaf West Theatre, McCoy-Rigby Productions and Northern Sky Theatre. Other recent partnerships include ones with Jeff Marx (“Avenue Q”), Celebration Theatre, The Victory Theatre, Red Mountain Theatre, The Lyric Theatre, UC Irvine, and other regional theatres. This is their second collaboration with East West Players. They last collaborated to create the hit musical, “Imelda,” about a decade ago.

East West Players, the longest continuously-running theatre of color in the country, produces artistic works and educational programs that foster dialogue exploring Asian Pacific experiences. EWP is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary season.

For further information about the East West Players and New Musicals Initiative, or to follow the progress of these works, email admin@nmi.org or subscribe at www.eastwestplayers.org.

March 4, 2016

East West Players seeking musicals

East-West Players and New Musicals Inc. are partnering again to create a new musical, and are accepting submissions from Asian-American musical theatre writers to be considered for the project. They partnered a decade ago to create the hit musical, Imelda, and are now coming together in time for East-West Players’ 50th anniversary.

“We’re looking to work together to create an important, powerful piece of theater about the Asian-American experience,” says Snehal Desai, EWP’s Associate Artistic Director. “The show itself could be large or small, funny or dramatic, realistic or abstract, cutting-edge or traditional, but we’re hoping that it’s contemporary in its message and innovative in its storytelling. So whether you are working on the next Hamilton, Allegiance, or Here Lies Love, we want to hear from you.”

New Musicals Inc. is hoping to find several teams or projects in the early stages, nurturing several works over the next year or two through workshops and concert presentations before potentially selecting one for production.

Writers who are interested in submitting may choose to submit excerpts from existing musicals, either finished or still in progress, or they may submit samples from their work along with an idea for something brand-new. “Works which are very early in the process actually have an advantage right now,” says Elise Dewsberry, NMI’s Artistic Director. “Even if the new work is just a single paragraph and nothing more, we would consider it. This is an opportunity for our organizations to work together and create something special.”

New Musicals Inc. has established a growing reputation for creating original musicals directly for producers. They are currently working with Deaf West Theatre, McCoy-Rigby Productions and Northern Sky Theatre. Other recent partnerships include ones with Jeff Marx (Avenue Q), Celebration Theatre, The Victory Theatre, Red Mountain Theatre, The Lyric Theatre, UC Irvine, and other regional theatres. This is their second collaboration with East West Players.

SUBMISSION TIMELINE

March 7, 2016: Submissions Open
April 8, 2016: Final Deadline for Submissions
April 20, 2016: East West Players Musical Theatre Initiative Winners Announced

Record number of musical theatre writers to be part of 2016 New Voices Project

A record number of composers and writers have been selected to participate in the New Voices Project, a musical theatre development program hosted by New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles (with support from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment), now in its fourth year.

The New Voices Project is offered to a select group young musical theatre playwrights, composers and lyricists under the age of 26, who receive workshops, readings, and concerts of their work.

“Last year we invited four teams to participate in the project,” explains Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., “This year the submissions were so strong, we’re inviting eight teams - and a total of 11 writers.”

All of the teams will receive workshops and feedback with NMI’s resident theatre ensemble, the Academy Repertory Company. Then, depending upon the needs of each particular musical and writing team, some of the writers will receive additional support, perhaps with full-length presentations, or concerts, or streamcast consultations with musical theatre writers and producers.

“Being a part of [the New Voices Project] was an incredibly informative experience.” says Chris Bryon Pratt, NVP 2013 winner. “Having my material performed then dissected gave me a very clear picture of what I can improve on as a writer. I think workshops such as the New Voices Project are so monumental to young aspiring writers because the panel gives fabulous critical feedback.”

The teams chosen to participate this year are:

Rebekah Allen

Ben Boecker

Benedict Braxton-Smith

Claire McKenzie and Scott Gilmour

Blake Dylan Pilger

Alex Ratner and Laurel Durning-Hammond

Marina Toft and Benji Goldsmith

Zach Spound

These young writers come from all over the globe, including Australia and Scotland; and the musicals they are writing range from traditional musical theatre suitable for family audiences, to rock-country, to operatic, to children’s pieces; telling stories about witches, Appalachians, dinosaurs, whores, outlaws, and, of course, many pairs of star-crossed lovers.

.The public can see a selection of works from the New Voices Project as part of got musical - NMI’s annual presentation of season highlights of musicals in development (part of a new jointly-produced concert series between NMI and 3D Theatricals in Anaheim).

got musicalwill be happening on two nights this year in two locations: Tuesday, April 26th at 3D Theatricals in Anaheim, and Sunday, May 15th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank.

“New Musicals Inc. offers a great opportunity to get the exposure that all young writers so desperately need.” says Santino DeAngelo, 2014 NVP winner. “The New Voices Project was my first chance to have my writing scrutinized by industry professionals and, throughout the course of the project, they really helped to shape the professional standards that I hold myself to today.”

Additional information about this year’s New Voices writers:

Rebekah M. Allen is a writer, composer, and lyricist living in New York City. Her musical WE ARE THE TIGERS had its world premiere at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in LA in 2015. Rebekah is currently a lyricist in the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop.

Ben Boecker is a New York based composer/lyricist/bookwriter, vocal teacher, and teaching artist. His one-act musical, Magic in New Hampshire (NMI Merit Award 2015, UNC Sam Selden Award 2012) recently received its second NYC staged reading. Ben is on the Adjunct Faculty of the Calhoun School, is a proud member of the BMI Advanced Musical Theater Writing Workshop and is a member of the Dramatists Guild.

Benedict Braxton-Smith is an internationally-trained Australian composer, music director, and orchestrator who studied composition at the Queensland Conservatorium and music direction at the Goodspeed Opera House. Outside of the theatrical realm, Benedict has composed several film-scores and concert-works.

Laurel Durning-Hammond is a Boston-based writer, performer and director. A Yale graduate, Laurel is the 2011 recipient of the Robert Lyons Danly 1969 Memorial Fellowship, and is a member of the artistic faculty of the Charles River Creative Arts Program in Dover, Massachusetts.

Scott Gilmour trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and now works as an actor and writer throughout the UK. Currently, Scott and Claire are working on a new commission for Dundee Rep, Little Red and the Wolf, opening in March 2016, which Scott will also direct.

Benji Goldsmith is a composer, and currently an MFA student in NYU’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. As a composer and lyricist, Benji has written three full-length musicals, and is a recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award.

Claire McKenzie studied Composition and Musical Direction at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she received the Patrons Prize for Composition from the Royal Schools of Music, the Stevenson Scholarship and the Paul Kelly Prize for Drama, and was nominated for a BAFTA New Talent Award for Original Music.

Blake Dylan Pilger is a composer, musical director, and pianist who has been involved in several amateur and professional theater productions. Blake’s orchestral and chamber compositions have won local, state, and national awards, including Honorable Mention from the Music Institute of Chicago’s National Generation Next Young Composers’ Competition. Blake has received mentorship from Jeff Marx, co-writer of the Avenue Q score, for over a year, and is a member of the National Honors Society, the National Society for High School Scholars, and the Tri-M Music Honors Society.

Alex Ratner is a New York-based musical theatre composer-lyricist, musical director and arranger. Alex is a Yale graduate whose work has been featured in concert through the New York Musical Theatre Festival, New Voices Collective and Stagedoor Manor, and he is a member of the BMI Musical Theatre Workshop.

Marina Toft is a New York-based lyricist and bookwriter who is now an MFA candidate at New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing program. Her short film “It’s A Seussical Life!” (with co-bookwriter David Startup and composer Alexander Juhan) has been nominated for and received several awards globally, including the Special Achievement award at the Canterbury University Film Festival.

Zach Spound is an LA-based actor, writer, and composer. As a composer and songwriter, he contributed music to Northwestern University’s famous Waa-Mu Show, and also wrote songs and played guitar with his hip-hop/funk rock band, Apolla.

3D Theatricals and New Musicals Inc. launch new Concert Reading Series

New Musicals Inc. is proud to announce the new Concert Reading Series for New Musicals in cooperation with 3D Theatricals of Orange County. The inaugural season will consist of readings of three new musicals, presented at the 3D Theatricals Rehearsal Hall in Anaheim and at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, from March through June of 2016.

The two organizations first worked together in August of 2015 when NMI presented their STAGES Festival of New Works for the 3DT subscribers.

“The STAGES readings were a big hit with our audience,” says 3DT Artistic Director T.J. Dawson. “and we think they are definitely ready to embrace the developmental process for new musicals. Our mission statement is ‘to provide southern California with professional theatre that includes Broadway musicals, plays, readings and new works.’ We’ve been very proud of our musical productions over the last four years - but were looking for a way to fulfill the ‘new works’ part of that mission. Finding the folks at NMI was a real match made in heaven.”

“It’s a win-win situation for both organizations,” says NMI Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. ” 3DT is looking for a way to expose their audiences to new works, and NMI is always looking for ways to expose our writers to broader audiences. It’s a natural.”

The three musicals chosen for presentation in this inaugural outing are:

Darby O’Gill and the Leprechaun Queen
by Ron Barnett and Scott Guy
Monday, March 14, at New Musicals Inc.
Tuesday, March 15, at 3D Theatricals Rehearsal Hall

got musical!
an evening of excerpts from new shows in development
Tuesday, April 26, at 3D Theatricals Rehearsal Hall
Sunday, May 15 (4pm), at the Colony Theatre

Invisible
by David Hollingsworth and David Orris
Monday, June 6, at the Colony Theatre
Tuesday, June 7, at 3D Theatricals Rehearsal Hall

The Darby O’Gill project is in development for McCoy-Rigby Entertainment, with an eye toward Cathy Rigby in the role of the queen of the leprechauns. The got musical! concert is an annual NMI event that features excerpts from many different new musicals currently in development, and featuring the winners of the 4th annual New Voices Project for musical theatre writers under the age of 26. Invisible was the break-out hit of the August STAGES Festival, and 3D Theatricals audiences began asking about its future.

“I’m so excited about Invisible,” says Dawson, “It’s contemporary and fresh, and has a sweet and powerful message about truly seeing each other. High school audiences are loving it, as well as Baby Boomers who are digging all the references to 80’s pop culture. We’re thinking this MIGHT be the show we get behind for our very first world premiere!”

“We are hopeful that this is the beginning of a long partnership of identifying promising new shows, exposing them to audience reactions and feedback, and nurturing them to be production ready,” says Dewsberry.

Tickets for the Concert Reading Series will be available for purchase by the beginning of March.

For more information on 3D Theatricals and their upcoming season of Broadway musicals, visit their website at www.3dtshows.com. For more info on the programs at New Musicals Inc., visit their website at www.nmi.org.

January 6, 2016

Disney/NMI looking for new musical theatre writers

New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles is sponsoring its fourth annual New Voices Project, in which young playwrights, composers and lyricists receive workshops and concerts of their work, with feedback sessions from executives from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment and New Musicals Inc. Selected finalists will have their work critiqued in an in-house workshop in March of 2016; and then presented in concert in Los Angeles in April 2016.

Writers are encouraged to submit up to three selections, either from a single work, or separate works, for a total of 20 minutes of material. The staff of New Musicals Inc. selects up to six writers’ works to present to executives at Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Engineering.

The finalists work will receive feedback from the NMI staff and representatives from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, and the writers will then be given an opportunity to rewrite and resubmit in time to be presented in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, as part of NMI’s annual showcase, “got musical,” which features highlights of musicals in development at NMI.

“We’re looking for writers in whom we see potential,” says NMI’s Executive Director Scott Guy. “We’re not pigeon-holing that potential: that is, we’re not looking for ‘Broadway musical’ writers per se, or ‘ground-breaking’ or ‘commercial’ or ‘avant-garde’. We’re looking for writers who are exploring their voices through the blend of music and voice. The stronger your voice and vision are, the more likely we’re going to respond to your work.”

“I’m really excited about the structure of our fourth season, which will give writers an opportunity to revise their work before it gets presented at the got musical concert,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “So many of the workshop opportunities available right now present writers’ original material and then ask the writers to sit through a critique without having the chance to respond with a revision. The support of the Disney organization will allow us to lengthen this process and give the writers a chance to respond to feedback.”

Writers may apply online at http://nmi.org/develop/new-voices-project/

There is no application fee. NMI is hopeful that funds will be available to fly the winning participants to Los Angeles for the got musical presentation in April, but such funding is not yet secured.

For more information, consult either the link to the project, or contact Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry at admin@nmi.org; www.nmi.org; 818.506.8500.

November 2, 2015

SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS Winners Announced

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced today at New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles.

First Prize goes to Invisible with book by David Hollingsworth, and music & lyrics by David Orris.

Second Prize goes to Caroline and George by Michael Finke.

Third Prize goes to Morality Play with book & lyrics by Janet Burroway, and music by Matthew M. Kiedrowski and Curtis Powell.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!”

Invisible is the story of high school nerds Griff and Kemper, who are determined to get popular enough to take the hot girls to the prom, despite warnings from their under-appreciated goth friend Hemlock. When their scientific experiment goes horribly wrong, Griff needs to figure out who is really standing by him, and whether or not being popular is all its cracked up to be.

Caroline & George is an outrageous musical comedy that follows the trials and tribulations of the not-so-happy couple, Caroline of Brunswick and the future King George IV (who were married, reluctantly, in 1795), as they push through their marriage, affairs, addictions, flatulence, and separations on their journey towards the crown of England … ultimately changing a nation.

Morality Play takes place in the England of the 14th century, a bitter winter in a time of plague: A traveling troupe of actors takes on a runaway priest. They come to a town where a young boy has been murdered and a beautiful deaf woman condemned for it. They can’t get an audience — because who wants a Morality Play when there’s real mystery afoot? How can they get back their audience except by Docudrama? In the process of inventing their murder story, they uncover the truth of a plot that mixes procurement, abuse, a Monk confessor and a powerful Duke.

Invisible, which was the third prize winner in the 2014 Search, will receive a developmental production in the 2015/16 season. Caroline and George, written by 2014 New Voice Project finalist Michael Finke, will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, and a staff evaluation. Morality Play will receive a Detailed Analysis from an NMI dramaturge.

NMI is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to NMI for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

Past winners of the Search have included: The Water by Jeff Hylton, Tim Werenko, and Georgia Stitt (2008); Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo (2009); Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley and Arthur Sullivan (2010); Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright (2011); Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard deRosa (2012); It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal (2013); and Off the Wall by Sarah Rebell and Danny Abosch (2014).

All musicals submitted (at any level) to NMI by July 15, 2016 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season. Winners of the 2016 Search will be announced by November 15, 2016. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the NMI staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

Information on submitting to the Search is available by visiting www.nmi.org.

September 3, 2015

Open Auditions for Musical Theatre Bookwriters, Lyricists, and Composers

New Musicals Inc. is issuing an open invitation to musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers to take part in an open audition for the famed Core Curriculum at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in joining the Core Curriculum for the 2015/16 season are invited to audition by taking part in the September and October sessions. (September 26 & 27; October 24 & 25; from 2:30pm to 6:30pm PST)

“We’ll put all applicants on collaborative teams in September, and give them assignments that are due in October,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of New Musicals Inc., “After the October session, we will evaluate whether or not the Core Curriculum is the right place for you.”

Successful applicants will then take part in monthly workshops (collaborative and individualized) through fall and winter. In the late spring, writers are paired one final time for a 15 minute musical, produced by NMI in a Los Angeles theatre with professional actors.

Bookwriters, lyricists and composers can apply online to reserve a space for the September auditions, or can simply show up at 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, on Saturday, September 26th at 2:30pm.

Writers can also take part from long-distance via streamcast - just email admin@nmi.org for instructions on how to join the live streamcast on September 26 and 27 (2:30pm-6:30pm PST). “During the 2014/15 season we had a largest group ever of non-local participants.” said Scott Guy, NMI’s Executive Director and author of the online Lyric Lab. “Besides the sizeable group of local participants who were in the room with us every month, we also had stream-casters taking part from St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, and even Edmonton, Canada.”

The heart of the writers’ workshop at ANMT is the Core Curriculum, in which composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text. The curriculum studies both contemporary and historical musicals, giving writers and composers the chance to create traditional and cutting-edge musicals, while studying contemporary variations of timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes.

Throughout the decades, the writers workshop has trained over 400 writers, who have gone on to created hundreds of successful musicals all across the country and the world.

For more information, visit www.nmi.org and click on STUDY. The direct link is: http://www.nmi.org/study/core-curriculum/

July 13, 2015

18th Annual Musical Theatre Festival Comes to Los Angeles

Stages Musical Theatre Festival returns to Los Angeles this August. This prestigious festival of new musicals, now in its 18th year, features new musicals presented in concert readings. This year’s festival features six musicals, presented in two venues over two weekends: August 21-23 at New Musicals Inc., 5628 Vineland in North Hollywood and August 28-30 at 3D Theatricals, 1255 N. Knollwood Circle in Anaheim, CA 92801.

An annual Chicago tradition for 15 years in Chicago, Stages moved to Los Angeles in 2010, under the wing of New Musicals Inc. becoming a biennial festival. Submissions to the festival come from around the globe all year long, culminating in a round of finalists, from which the winners are chosen.

The shows featured this year will be Invisible by David Hollingsworth and David Orris; Off the Wall by Danny Abosch and Sarah Rebell; The Anarchist Girl by J. Linn Allen and Cris Wo; Bagels! by Chana Wise and Carl Johnson; Darby O’Gill and the Leprechaun Queen, by Scott Guy and Ron Barnett; and an electric evening of selections from musical theatre writers under the age of 26, the final presentation of the 2015 New Voices Project. Featured will be the work of the New Voices Project winners: Jacob Combs & Madeline Myers, Bill Nelson and Joseph Trefler, and Michael Finke.

“We had so many wonderful submissions to the New Voices Project this year, we added a special Merit Award,” explains festival producer Scott Guy, “and we’ll be featuring some of the Merit writers as well in the festival.” The Merit Award Recipients are: Mark Sonnenblick, Andre Catrini, Sam Chanse and Bob Kelly, and Ben Boecker.

“One of the most exciting things about the Stages Festival,” says festival Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “is that audiences get to see musicals at different ‘stages’ of development, ranging from polished, wonderful shows ready for production to really raw exciting first drafts. Audiences get a close-up look at tomorrow’s musicals being developed today, right now, right here.”

Casting and producing the festival involves the talents of nearly 100 actors, pianists, directors, producers, stage managers, dramaturgs, box office staff, and ushers. The storylines and styles of the musicals are as different as the actors performing in them.

Invisible tells the story of two nerdy high school guys who decide to create a potion to make themselves popular, so they can go to prom with the school’s cheerleading twins. But miraculously, the potion turns one of them invisible! Things start to sour between the friends when the visible one starts taking advantage of the situation, and doesn’t want to help his one-time-buddy become visible again, leading up to an explosive prom night. It features a driving, young score with humor that’s edgy and contemporary (but still family friendly!) Book by David Hollingsworth, lyrics and music by David Orris. Directed by Elise Dewsberry with musical direction by Bryan Blaskie.

Off the Wall - This musical comedy, loosely inspired by the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre, won the 2014 Search for New Musicals. In this five-character, ninety-minute, original musical, the Mona Lisa is brought to life when a worker in the Louvre kisses her. Much to worker’s dismay, Mona Lisa immediately starts causing chaos all over Paris. This fresh, tongue-in-cheek musical may take place in the Belle Epoque, but it whimsically explores contemporary themes, including the glorification of celebrity, the obsession with physical beauty, and the importance of taking a second glance at preconceived notions of love and art. Book and lyrics by Sarah Rebell, music by Danny Abosch. Directed by Allison Bibicoff with musical direction by Jan Roper.

The Anarchist Girl - An edgy, provocative chamber musical about a young protestor who breaks into a house planning to kidnap a famous author, to make him a spokesperson for her cause, only to find that this former literary giant is now confined to a wheelchair, no longer able to speak. She turns her attention to the author’s shut-in son, and tries to convince him to come with her into the dangerous world to stand up for what he believes in. This is an “existential” musical that will appeal to the audience that loves a challenge! Book and lyrics by J. Linn Allen, and music by Cris Wo. Directed by Jon Sparks with musical direction by Ron Barnett.

Bagels!- The almost-true story of the man who invented the automated bagel-making machine; how it almost tore apart a family, and got some union bagel makers pretty upset. A family comedy, but with some adult moral dilemmas for the young inventor, this show has a charming, witty book and a lovely joyful score. Book and lyrics by Chana Wise, music by Carl Johnson. Directed by John Henry Davis, with musical direction by Emily Cohn.

Darby O’Gill and the Leprechaun Queen - We’re in mythic Celtic Ireland, a land filled with magic, leprechauns, goblins, banshees, and the legendary trickster Darby O’Gill, who is bent on stealing the Leprechaun’s Gold. Darby is forced to make a bargain with the Leprechaun Queen, whom he does not trust in the least little bit…and she trusts him even less. Darby’s journey takes him to the very edge the Otherworld, ruled over by the frightening spectre of the Banshee, who has tormented the Queen’s nightmares for years with an awful, terrible death. The musical palette is a kind of Celtic mythic folk rock. Book and lyrics by Scott Guy, music by Ron Barnett.

New Voices Project- A concert of songs and musical excerpts written by the winners of the 2015 New Voices Projects - all writers under the age of 26. This is the third year of this competition, with sponsorship by Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment.

Untitled - A seventh musical might be added, pending final rights-approval from the motion picture studio which is preparing for a simultaneous opening night on Broadway and a television series based on the same storyline. For legal reasons, New Musicals Inc. is not permitted to announce the title at this moment, but hopes to be able to add the show if the rights become approved.

The festival’s first weekend will begin Friday August, 21st at 8:00pm at New Musicals Inc. in North Hollywood and will continue Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings through the 23rd. The Festival’s second weekend will begin Friday August 28th at 8:00pm at 3D Theatricals in Anaheim and will continue Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings through the 30th.

Tickets are free, but a donation of $10 or more guarantees a seat reservation. For reservations and more information: www.nmi.org

Lyricists and Actors….get the the tools you need to conquer your fear of reading music, in four easy and fun-filled sessions. I’ll guide you gently through rhythm, key signatures, time signatures, and general shape of melodic line. I’ll begin each session with an hour of basics, then move on to actual singin’ in the room, and finish each session with an hour of more advanced topics (like intervals and chords, and meaning of musical notation). Warning, though: I don’t want to mislead you. 16 hours alone won’t be enough to learn how to read music. You’ll need a little more practice time. However, I’ll ply you with a fantastic collection of sight-reading excerpts, and plenty of exercises to do in your car, so that you can keep improving long after the course has ended. My goal for actors would be to help you be able to follow along in rehearsals or callbacks, and not be completely dependent on making a rehearsal recording. For lyricists, my goal is for you to be able to croak out the basic contour of a melody in the right rhythm, to help you with things like prosody and rhyme schemes etc.

Warning: Though we’d only meet four times (in July), there would be a LOT of practice in between sessions; you won’t be able to just pick this up during classtimes. However, you could do almost all of the homework in your car, just listening and singing along. My goal isn’t to turn you into a sight-singer in four sessions…however, in the four sessions I think I can give you enough tools to work on and drills that if you’re diligent, you should see huge results by, say, November or December.

OUTLINING LAB

Instructor: Elise Dewsberry
Six Thursday evenings from 8pm to 11pm
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, and August 6
Course Fee: $395 (discounted from the regular online fee of $595)

The Outlining Lab is available in-person OR online (or a combination of the two!) Video lectures, exercises, handouts, and tests are all available online. Attend the live sessions for feedback on your homework assignments - or submit your work online if you can’t make the sessions.

An outline can be an invaluable writer’s tool for clarifying the structure and story arc of a musical idea. It can then serve as a blueprint for the rough draft that the collaborators will use to develop the new musical. Writers who skip this important step in the development process are likely to find themselves bogged down with a partially written new show that is riddled with logical inconsistencies, and does not compellingly deliver the intentions of the creative team.

In the Outlining Lab, you will be lead step-by-step through the process of developing a musical idea from concept through to a working outline, with detailed constructive feedback along the way. By the end of this ten-unit course, you should have a well-developed and detailed outline that will solidly prepare you for the collaborative task of writing your new musical.

Along with the basic six steps to an outline, other topics dealt with will include:

Types of Conflict
20 Questions for your Outline
Language of an Outline
Dealing with Feedback
Pitch and Synopsis
One-Liner and Logline

Don’t start writing until your outline is rock solid!

And three Master Classes for the musical theatre performer presented by Joshua Finkel:

GETTING AN AGENT OR MANAGER

This 3 session Master Class with Joshua Finkel prepares and tailors your audition material to best suit your type and strengths. We’ll start together for two sessions preparing your interview, streamlining your marketing materials, your personal presentation and your audition material. Then in the third week, you’ll get to meet, work with and audition for some top agents/managers in LA.

You’ll get a chance to have honest discussions with as many as four agents, audition for them, and get great inside info about how they see you, what their agency is looking for and where they see your best casting possibilities. Your takeaway from this class: how agencies REALLY work and where to find the best fit for you.

3 sessions for $375.00
Sunday, July 12 from 11am to 2pm
Sunday, July 19 from 11am to 2pm
Sunday, July 26 from 11am to 2pm

BUILD AND PERFORM AN ORIGINAL CABARET ACT

You’re funny, right? Charismatic? Unique? It’s time to put together your own cabaret act, and find YOUR audience! Broadway’s Joshua Finkel and popular vocal coach Jake Anthony will lead you through your own journey, discovering what’s the most theatrical, entertaining and moving about YOU…and help you fashion patter, jokes, songs and specialty material which makes you shine. Plus create and own your Cabaret Songbook that ANY pianist can play, giving you maximum flexibility in where you can perform your act. Also, learn to build and keep your audience by getting a great system on how to update your act and keep giving your audience new material every time you perform. Includes a Final Video of your Cabaret Set! One of Joshua’s most popular courses, this class comes in two flavors: a 4-session pack in which you concentrate on a powerful 10-minute showcase; or a 10-session pack in which you can build an entire SET.

$350 for 4 sessions
Wednesday, July 1 from 7pm to 11pm
Wednesday, July 8 from 7pm to 11pm
Wednesday, July 22 from 7pm to 11pm
Wednesday, July 29 from 7pm to 11pm

BUILD YOUR AUDITION BOOK

This 4 session class fills in all the holes in your audition material. Never be frustrated that your audition songbook is outdated or that you can’t audition for a certain project because you don’t have the correct song. This is your chance to build 4-6 new songs each cut to 16 bar, 32 bar and a 2 minute ‘full’ cut. Each song will be in your key and you’ll have a great rehearsal track of each cut to rehearse with before auditions. In addition, learn to connect powerfully with each song so it really comes alive and shows your vocal and emotional range when you perform!

Monday, June 29 from 7pm to 10pm
Monday, July 13 from 7pm to 10pm
Monday, July 20 from 7pm to 10pm
Monday, July 27 from 7pm to 10pm

NOTE: This class is currently sold-out. We are accepting Waiting List applications.

All Boot Camp courses take place at New Musicals Inc. at 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Holllywood. For more information, and to register for courses visitNMI.ORG

June 17, 2015

Seven World Premiere Musicals

Seven brand-new fifteen-minute musicals will have their world premiere on June 29, 30, and July 1 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. These musicals are a decades-long tradition at NMI’s Academy for New Musical Theatre, and one of the hottest tickets in town.

The 15 Minute Musical Project concludes each season of the Academy’s world-famous Core Curriculum of the writers’ workshop, which has been in existence for over 40 years.

For the final project of the curriculum, composers, lyricists and bookwriters are put together on writing teams and are given eight short weeks to write, revise and polish a brand-new musical written for actors whom they’ve never met before.

This year’s theme is “Forks in the Road”, so each musical is about a life-changing moment.

“It’s an amazing experience,” says ” Scott Guy, one of evening’s directors. “All seven of this season’s musicals explores a different outlook on life and how people experience it. It’s a wonderful, wild-ride of an evening of musical theatre enjoyment.”

The creative team of director Scott Guy, music director Ron Barnett, stage manager Rita Cannon, and actors Conchita Belisle-Newman, David Crane, Shannon Martinous, and Louis Silvers will present the following three 15-minute musicals:

End of the Line (book by Howard Ho, music by Kristen Rea, and lyrics by Chris Edgar)Can I Help You Out? (book by Weston Scott, music by Laura Wardrip, and lyrics by David Rackoff)Fork You! (book by Lucy Wang, music by Molly Siskin, and lyrics by Shawn Ryan)

The creative team of director John Coppola, music director Ross Kalling, stage manager Angel Hernandez, and actors Melvin Biteng, J. Bailey Burcham, Elise Dewsberry, and Emma Sperka will present the following four 15-minute musicals:

Queen Hamembshaput Says What? (book by Danielle Roderick, music by Sahara S. Spain, and lyrics by Mitch Glaser)Margot’s Blessing (book and lyrics by Lori Ada Jaroslow, and music by Morgan Hollingsworth)Have A Nice Trip (book by Dan Margules, music by Raphael Nemes, and lyrics by Marissa Kochanski)Half Off (book by Rich Cook, music and lyrics by Jeff King)

You can see all seven musicals on either Monday, June 29, Tuesday, June 30, or Wednesday, July 1. The Lonny Chapman Theatre is at 10900 Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.nmi.org.

May 1, 2015

JULY 15 SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS

Have you written a great new musical, and are you looking for feedback and/or an opportunity for a concert reading? Don’t miss the July 15 deadline for the annual Search for New Musicals at New Musicals Inc.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entries from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so I’m looking forward to seeing what submissions we will get this season.”

Established in 2008, the Search for New Musicals has awarded concert readings and/or workshops to promising new musicals including It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal; The Looking Glass Wars by by Kurt Kuenne, based on the novel by Frank Beddor; Infamous by Karen M. Cohen and Stephen Kingsbury; Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard de Rosa; Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright; Chapter Eleven by Stephen Telfer; Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley; The Water by Georgia Stitt, Jeff Hylton, and Tim Werenko; Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Jr., Chris Budinich, Diana Belkowski, Dan Tramon, and Carl Anthony Tramon; Girl Detective by Alan Gordon and Mark Sutton-Smith; Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo; The Next Fairy Tale by Brian Pugach; and Life After Life by Tracey Langran Corea and Thaddeus Corea.

The first, second and third prize winners of the 2014 Search will all be presented this summer as part of the STAGES Festival of New Musicals: Invisible by David Hollingsworth and David Orris; Off the Wall by Danny Abosch and Sarah Rebell; and The Anarchist Girl by J. Linn Allen and Cris Wo.

If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to NMI for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

The submission deadline this season is July 15, 2015. All submissions will receive either an audio Overview Evaluation ($195 submission level) or an audio/video Detailed Analysis ($400 submission level), and will also be automatically entered into the Search contest.

“I’ve never received a more cogent and usable evaluation,” wrote Search writer Elliott Baker (author of The Tooth Fairy’s Daughter). “I’m very comfortable with the critique process but I have never finished reading a critique/evaluation with as much desire and energy to go to work on and polish a piece.”

“The evaluation was far more in-depth than I expected and seemed to cover all the key aspects of the show. Frankly, I found it more helpful than a staged reading would have been,” stated Search participant Barbara Campbell (bookwriter/lyricist of The Awakening). “This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic ‘nuts and bolts’ than I have ever received to date.”

British writer Michael Dresser stated “The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!”

All entries will receive constructive dramaturgical feedback, and will be entered in the Search contest. The winner of the 2015 Search will be announced by November 15, and will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the NMI staff, and will be given a concert reading in Los Angeles.

Writers can submit their shows electronically via NMI’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via NMI’s website: www.nmi.org.

April 6, 2015

New Voices Project 2015 Finalists Announced

New Musicals Inc. is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2015 New Voices Project. After carefully reviewing many promising submissions from 18-25 year old writers across the country, the New Voices Project has selected these young writers to be showcased: Jacob Combs & Madeline Myers, Bill Nelson and Joseph Trefler, and Michael Finke. In addition to winning a cash prize, these writers will have selections from their new musicals showcased as part of a three-tiered presentation/feedback trajectory:

the works will be presented in concert as part of NMI’s annual GOT MUSICAL concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on Thursday, June 4, 2015

later in June, the works will be presented to and critiqued by a distinguished panel of musical theatre professionals including representatives from Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, and members of the staff of the Academy for New Musical Theatre (Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director; Scott Guy, Lyric Lab Instructor; and Ross Källing, Director of Music Curriculum)

after an opportunity for revision based on the critiques, the works will be presented in concert as part of the STAGES Musical Theatre Festival in August

“We are very proud of this program,” says NMI’s Artistic Producer Elise Dewsberry. “This is one of only a very few opportunities (such as the Festival of New American Musicals’ Show Search) specifically designed for young musical theatre writers. These writers are so important to the future of this great American art form - and we are thrilled to be contributing to that future!”

The writing team of Jacob Combs and Madeline Myers says “We believe that stories have an unparalleled power to transport and teach, and we know that musical theater is among the most emotionally resonant of the performing arts.” Jacob and Madeline’s current musical, Legends & Lore, has been developed at the Fingerlakes Musical Theater Festival, the New York Theatre Barn, and Musical Theatre Factory.

Jacob Combs, an LA based writer and composer/lyricist, attended Brown University, and has since worked in live theatre and in film. He worked as a music assistant on the original Off-Broadway musical The Blue Flower at Second Stage Theatre, and then in the story department of Blue Sky Studios on the development of several feature films, including “Epic” and “Rio 2.” As a writer and editor, Jacob has contributed to Indiewire, EqualityOnTrial and the Huffington Post, covering the arts, law and politics.

Madeline Myers, a New York based composer and lyricist, studied composition at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music. Madeline was the first place winner of the 2014 inaugural Ken Davenport Songwriting Competition, and has participated in the New Dramatists Composer-Librettist Studio, the Johnny Mercer Foundation Songwriters Project, and the Johnny Mercer Foundation Writers Colony at Goodspeed Musicals.

“Musical theatre is, for us, hands-down the most thrilling and rewarding way to communicate with people … ” says the writing team of Bill Nelson and Joseph Trefler, co-writers of the musical Men with Money. “In this medium, we’re able to combine words, music and movement to create experiences that are greater than the sum of their parts … and we get to take part in the inspiring act of collaboration, the lightning in a bottle that makes this complex art form possible.”

Bill Nelson is a New York-based lyricist, bookwriter and playwright. His musical Harmony, Kansas (with composer Anna K. Jacobs) received four SCENIE Awards and three San Diego Theatre Critics Circle nominations. William Finn conceived and directed a revue of his songs (at Barrington Stage Co.) called Bill Nelson’s All-Male Revue. His plays have been seen across the country and his songs have been presented at cabarets around the world, including Finn’s Songs by Ridiculously Talented Composers. He received an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing at NYU-Tisch.

Joseph Trefler is a New York based composer-lyricist. He composed the scores for Honey I’m Home!, an interactive film exhibit (Scotiabank Nuit Blanche), and The Music Box, a short dance-film that was shown on Air Canada flights. His 10-minute musical The Bad Ideas of Jack Andrews (with bookwriter-lyricist Seth Christenfeld), was a finalist in the Ken Davenport 10 Minute Play competition. Joseph received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Toronto and MFA from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program, New York University.

“Musical theatre has always felt like a transformative experience.” says Michael Finke. “Fusing the different tools of music, text, design, and performance to create a theatrical event can leave me breathless and moved in a rather significant way … I aspire to join those innovative artists who hope to utilize both the methods discovered before us and the unknown processes of contemporary musical theatre to create that transformative experience.”

Michael Finke is a New York based composer, lyricist, and music director who received his B.F.A. from Tisch School of the Arts. He has been an ASCAP and O’Neill Finalist, was selected for the 2013 Johnny Mercer Songwriting Foundation Workshop, and has had songs, concerts, and fully-realized productions of his work performed at 54 Below, The Laurie Beechman Theater, NYU, Don’t Tell Mama, Off Broadway at St. Luke’s, Joe’s Pub, L.A.’s Rockwell: Table & Stage, the Christmas Day telecast on ABC, and many more.

“We received so many outstanding submissions this year,” says NMI Executive Producer Scott Guy, “that we have also decided to give out several Merit Awards. These writers will also be included in the late June feedback session and will receive some written notes from the NMI Staff and the WDI Creative Entertainment team.”

New Musicals Inc. seeks to encourage and enable writers, producers, directors, and dramaturgs to take a more collaborative and strategic approach to the creation of new works right from the start, before the pen even hits the page. This initiative hopes to foster the creation of exceptionally well crafted new musicals, that are intentional and intelligent in design. NMI strives to pave the way for the development of new musical theatre that is imaginative, inspiring, and impactful in today’s world.

For information on New Musicals Inc., or the New Voices Project, visit www.nmi.org

January 24, 2015

Disney/NMI looking for new musical theatre writers

New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles is sponsoring its third annual New Voices Project, in which young playwrights, composers and lyricists receive workshops and concerts of their work, with feedback sessions from executives from Walt Disney Imagineering and New Musicals Inc. Selected finalists will have their work presented as part of the prestigious Stages Musical Theatre Festival in Los Angeles in Summer 2015.

Writers are encouraged to submit up to three selections, either from a single work, or separate works, for a total of 20 minutes of material. The staff of New Musicals Inc. selects up to a dozen writers’ works to present to executives at Walt Disney Imagineering. The finalists’ work will be presented in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, as part of a showcase, “got musical,” which features highlights of musicals in development at NMI.

Following the showcase, writers will receive feedback on their work, with an opportunity to rewrite and resubmit in time for inclusion in Stages Musical Theatre Festival.

“We’re looking for writers in whom we see potential,” says NMI’s Executive Director Scott Guy. “We’re not pigeon-holing that potential: this is, we’re not looking for ‘Broadway musical’ writers per se, or ‘ground-breaking’ or ‘commercial’ or ‘avant-garde’. We’re looking for writers who are exploring their voices through the blend of music and voice. The stronger your voice and vision are, the more likely we’re going to respond to your work.”

Three writers were selected in 2014: Danny Bernstein, Santino DeAngelo, and Zack Zadek. Bernstein’s musical, Far From Canterbury, earned him Cornell University’s Undergraduate Artist of the Year. Zadek’s musical, 6, was featured as part of the New York Musical Theatre Festival. DeAngelo’s musical has recently been selected as a 2015 Next Link production in the New York Musical Theater Festival. Previous winners in 2013 included Amar Benkhoukha, Ion Constantine, Nick Jester, Christopher Byron Pratt, and Noah Reece.

“I’m really excited about the structure of our third season, which will give writers an opportunity to revise their work before it gets presented at the festival,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “So many of the workshop opportunities available right now present writers’ original material and then ask the writers to sit through a critique without having the chance to respond with a revision. The support of the Disney organization will allow us to lengthen this process and give the writers a chance to respond to feedback..”

Writers may apply online at http://nmi.org/develop/new-voices-project/

There is no application fee. NMI is hopeful that funds will be available to fly the winning participants to Los Angeles for the STAGES presentation in August, but such funding is not yet secured.

For more information, consult either the link to the project, or contact Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry at admin@nmi.org; www.nmi.org; 818.506.8500.

November 1, 2014

SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS Winners Announced

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced today at New Musicals Inc. in Los Angeles.

First Prize goes to Off The Wall with book & lyrics by Sarah Rebell, and music by Danny Abosch.

Second Prize goes to The Anarchist Girl, with book and lyrics by J. Linn Allen and music by Cris Wo.

Third Prize goes to Invisible, with book by David Hollingsworth, and lyrics and music by David Orris.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

‘We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,’ says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of NMI. ‘We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!’

Off the Wall is a musical comedy loosely inspired by the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa from the Louvre. In this ninety-minute original musical, the Mona Lisa is brought to life when Vincenzo, a museum worker who idolizes the famous painting, kisses her. Much to Vincenzo’s dismay, Mona Lisa immediately starts causing chaos all over Paris. This fresh, tongue-in-cheek musical may take place in the Belle epoque, but it whimsically explores contemporary themes, including the glorification of celebrity, the obsession with physical beauty and the importance of taking a second glance at preconceived notions of love and art.

The Anarchist Girl takes place In a time of political chaos, when a sexy, gun-waving radical invades the home of a famous philosopher-poet, intending to kidnap him to promote her anarchist group. But he is mute from a stroke, so she conceals her plot and sets out to help him speak again. She also seduces his suicidal math-genius son while battling the great man’s bitter wife and party-girl daughter. Once her plan is revealed, the lives of the entire family change.

Invisible is the story of high school nerds Griff and Kemper, who are determined to get popular enough to take the hot girls to the prom, despite warnings from their under-appreciated goth friend Hemlock. When their scientific experiment goes horribly wrong, Griff needs to figure out who is really standing by him, and whether or not being popular is all its cracked up to be.
For the first time in the seven year history of the annual Search for New Musicals, all three finalists will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, feedback from the NMI staff, and will be presented as part of the STAGES 2015 Festival of New Musicals this summer in Los Angeles.

NMI is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to NMI for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.
Past winners of the Search have included: The Water by Jeff Hylton, Tim Werenko, and Georgia Stitt (2008); Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo (2009); Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley and Arthur Sullivan (2010); Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright (2011); Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard deRosa (2012); and It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal (2013).

All musicals submitted (at any level) to NMI by July 15, 2015 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season. Winners of the 2015 Search will be announced by November 15, 2015. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the NMI staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR MUSICAL THEATRE WRITERS WORKSHOP

The Academy for New Musical Theatre is issuing an open invitation to musical theatre bookwriters, lyricists, and composers to take part in an open audition for the famed Core Curriculum.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in joining the Core Curriculum for the 2014/15 season are invited to audition by taking part in the September and October sessions. (September 13 & 14; October 11 & 12; from 2:30pm to 6:30pm PST)

“We’ll put all applicants on collaborative teams in September, and give them assignments that are due in October,” says Dewsberry. “After the October session, we will evaluate whether or not the Core Curriculum is the right place for you.”

Successful applicants will then take part in monthly workshops (collaborative and individualized) through fall and winter. In the late spring, writers are paired one final time for a 15 minute musical, produced by the Academy in a professional theatre with Equity actors.

Bookwriters, lyricists and composers can apply online to reserve a space for the September auditions, or can simply show up at 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, on Saturday, September 13th at 2:30pm.

Writers can also take part from long-distance via streamcast - just email admin@nmi.org for instructions on how to join the live streamcast on September 13 and 14 (2:30pm-6:30pm PST).

The heart of the writers’ workshop at ANMT is the Core Curriculum, in which composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text. The curriculum studies both contemporary and historical musicals, giving writers and composers the chance to create traditional and cutting-edge musicals, while studying contemporary variations of timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes.

Throughout the decades, the writers workshop has trained over 400 writers, who have gone on to created hundreds of successful musicals all across the country and the world.
For more information, visit www.nmi.org and click on STUDY. The direct link is: http://www.nmi.org/study/core-curriculum/

July 3, 2014

The Max Factor Factor: a new screwball musical comedy

New Musicals Inc. is producing a world premiere musical this summer, in association with Celebration Theatre, called The Max Factor Factor, opening August 1st at the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., in North Hollywood.

It’s 1936; the golden age of Hollywood, and two rival movie studios are in a heated battle for survival when their opposing leading men fall in love. Reminiscent of screwball comedies of the past, this new musical takes place in a world of artifice, backstabbing, lavender weddings, double-crossing starlets, and a moral crusader from the Legion of Rectitude, making it increasingly more difficult for the leading men to hold on to the one real thing each has ever found. It’s funny, charming, romantic, happily nostalgic, and very tuneful.

The Max Factor Factor was developed and workshopped for the Celebration Theatre over the past couple of seasons, through a rigorous process of table readings, staged presentations, and concerts. It was selected to be part of Stages Musical Theatre Festival in 2013, and now will have its world premiere this summer in North Hollywood. The Max Factor Factor plays for five weeks only, this August, at the NoHo Arts Center. Opening August 1, and running through August 31.

“This show asks us to examine what kind of sacrifices we’re willing to make for success or societal acceptance,” says lyricist Chana Wise. “Although it concerns a serious subject, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s funny, and playful, and has lots of great songs!”
PRODUCTION DATES:
Previews: July 26, 27, 31
Shows: August 1-August 31st. 2014
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; Sundays at 3pm
$34 (Senior and Student discounts available)

NMI ANNOUNCES BROADWAY PRODUCERS AS CONFERENCE PANELISTS

New Musicals Inc. announces the line-up of panelists for the fifth biennial BIZ OF THE MUSICAL THEATRE BIZ CONFERENCE, set for July 18-20 in North Hollywood.
A series of panels held Friday evening through Sunday evening will include such musical theatre luminiaries as:
- John Caird - Director, Les Miserables; Writer, Jane Eyre, Daddy Long Legs
- Randy Johnson - Writer/Director, A Night with Janis Joplin; Original Producer, Always, Patsy Cline
- Michael Alden - Broadway Producer, Grey Gardens, Bridge and Tunnel
- David Bryant - Broadway Producer, A Tale of Two Cities, A Time to Kill
- Karyl Lynn Burns - Producing Artistic Director, The Rubicon Theatre
- Sheldon Epps - Artistic Director, Pasadena Playhouse
- Paul Gordon - Lyricist/Composer of Daddy Long Legs, Tony nominated lyricist/composer of Jane Eyre
- Dana Harrel - Creative Executive Director, Walt Disney Imagineering
- Daniel Henning - Founding Artistic Director/Producer, The Blank Theatre Company
- Michael Jackowitz - Broadway Producer, How to Succeed…, Tuck Everlasting, The Hawaiian Goddess Project
- Michael A. Kerker - ASCAP Director of Musical Theatre
- Terence McFarland - Executive Director, LA Stage Alliance
- Brendan Milburn & Valerie Vigoda - Striking 12, Sleeping Beauty Wakes, Beautiful Poison
- Heather Provost - Broadway, film, and television producer
- Cheri Steinkellner - Tony nominated bookwriter of Sister Act
- Michael Weiner & Alan Zachary - First Date, Second Hand Lions
- Michael R. Blaha - Entertainment Lawyer, Producer
- Cate Caplin - Award Winning LA Director/Choreographer
There is also a special free perk to everyone who registers in the Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz Conference.
On Friday, July 18 at 5:00pm, there will be a presentation of a staged reading of the Broadway-bound world premiere musical Little Miss Scrooge, by John Caird (Tony and Olivier Award-winning Director of Les Miserables; writer of Jane Eyre and Daddy Long Legs), Sam Caird, and Paul Gordon (composer of Jane Eyre and Daddy Long Legs).
The love story from Great Expectations and the ghost story from A Christmas Carol are combined with a magnificent pop-rock score in this Dickensian musical spectacular. Estella Scrooge, a Wall Street tycoon and direct descendant of Ebenezer, travels to Pickwick, Ohio on Christmas Eve to foreclose on The Harthouse Hotel, a haven for the lost, lonely and dispossessed. There she finds herself drawn to the attractive proprietor Philip Nickleby.
The reading will be followed by a moderated feedback session, where the writers will be looking for critical feedback from the audience.
The conference will begin offically that evening with an opening reception, and a special panel with the producers of Little Miss Scrooge who will discuss new producing models for collaborations between for-profits and non-profits.
The rest of the information-packed weekend conference includes sessions led by musical theatre professionals, who will share valuable information and advice on a variety of issues related to producing and writing musicals. Participants will have the chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from professional theatre writers about how to write a musical, and meet other emerging artists in the musical theatre world. As an added bonus, participants will also have the chance to pitch their musicals to established producers.
Tickets for the entire conference (including all events Friday evening, all day Saturday, and all day Sunday) are $595 - single-day rates are also available. The conference will take place at the NoHo Arts Center (in the heart of the NoHo Arts District) at 11136 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601, the weekend of July 18-20.
To register or for more information, go to www.nmi.org.

June 5, 2014

A New Approach to a 40-year-old Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop

You know musical theatre is changing when a venerable 45-year-old musical theatre workshop changes its approach to accommodate the fast-paced careers of new musical theatre writers. Instead of concentrating solely on craft and collaboration in its Core Curriculum, beginning this fall, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will also be allowing its writers simultaneously to develop their own full-length musical.

“Twenty and thirty years ago, young writers were content to learn their craft first before writing a hit musical,” says Founding Artistic Director John Sparks, who has led the workshop since the early 1980’s, “but the world’s changed, and everyone’s hoping for quicker results. Writers are feeling a need to finish their musical THIS year, not next year, and we understand that, so we’re adapting our decades-year-old curriculum to allow writers to work on their shows while at the same time learning about the craft of writing musical theatre.”

“It’s a big, important change,” said Sparks’ co-workshop leader, Elise Dewsberry, “we’re hopeful that our new approach will give writers immediate and practical results, every workshop, with their own shows, as well as our standard collaborative assignments.”

The heart of the writers’ workshop is the Core Curriculum, in which composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text. The curriculum studies both contemporary and historical musicals, giving writers and composers the chance to create traditional and cutting-edge musicals, while studying contemporary variations of timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes.

Throughout the decades, the writers workshop has trained over 400 writers, who have gone on to created hundreds of successful musicals all across the country and the world.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in joining the Core Curriculum for the 2014/15 season are invited to audition by taking part in the September and October sessions. (September 13 & 14; October 11 & 12.)

“We’ll put all applicants on collaborative teams in September, and give them assignments that are due in October,” says Dewsberry. “After the October session, we will evaluate whether or not the Core Curriculum is the right place for you.”

Successful applicants will then take part in monthly workshops (collaborative and individualized) through fall and winter. In the late spring, writers are paired one final time for a 15 minute musical, produced by the Academy in a professional theatre with Equity actors.

Bookwriters, lyricists and composers can apply online to reserve a space for the September auditions. Applications require a few writing samples: Composers submit three samples of songs with piano/vocal scores; lyricists submit three samples of lyrics; and bookwriters submit two 10-page samples, preferably from plays.

For more information, visit www.nmi.org and click on STUDY. The direct link is: http://www.nmi.org/study/core-curriculum/

May 31, 2014

JULY 15 SUBMISSION DEADLINE FOR SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS

Have you written a great new musical, and are you looking for feedback and/or an opportunity for a concert reading? Don’t miss the July 15 deadline for the annual Search for New Musicals at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entries from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of the Academy. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so I’m looking forward to seeing what submissions we will get this season.”

Established in 2008, the Search for New Musicals has awarded concert readings and/or workshops to twenty promising new musicals including It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal; The Looking Glass Wars by by Kurt Kuenne, based on the novel by Frank Beddor; Infamous by Karen M. Cohen and Stephen Kingsbury; Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard de Rosa; Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright; Chapter Eleven by Stephen Telfer; Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley; The Water by Georgia Stitt, Jeff Hylton, and Tim Werenko; Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Jr., Chris Budinich, Diana Belkowski, Dan Tramon, and Carl Anthony Tramon; Girl Detective by Alan Gordon and Mark Sutton-Smith; Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo; The Next Fairy Tale by Brian Pugach; and Life After Life by Tracey Langran Corea and Thaddeus Corea.

If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to ANMT for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

The submission deadline this season is July 15, 2014. All submissions will receive either an audio Overview Evaluation ($100 submission level) or an audio/video Detailed Analysis ($400 submission level), and will also be automatically entered into the Search contest..

“I’ve never received a more cogent and useable evaluation,” wrote Search writer Elliott Baker (author of The Tooth Fairy’s Daughter). “I’m very comfortable with the critique process but I have never finished reading a critique/evaluation with as much desire and energy to go to work on and polish a piece.”

“The evaluation was far more in-depth than I expected and seemed to cover all the key aspects of the show. Frankly, I found it more helpful than a staged reading would have been,” stated Search participant Barbara Campbell (bookwriter/lyricist of The Awakening). “This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic ‘nuts and bolts’ than I have ever received to date.”

British writer Michael Dresser stated “The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!”

All entries will receive constructive dramaturgical feedback, and will be entered in the Search contest. The winner of the 2014 Search will be announced by November 15, and will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and will be given a concert reading in Los Angeles.

Writers can submit their shows electronically via ANMT’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org.

May 29, 2014

ANMT ANNOUNCES SUMMER CLASSES FOR MUSICAL THEATRE WRITERS

The Academy for New Musical Theatre is offering three courses this summer for musical theatre bookwriters and lyricists as part of the annual Musical Theatre Summer Boot Camp.
BEATING BROADWAY
Instructor: Scott Guy
Tues/Thur for 2 weeks; 7pm to 10pm
August 5, 7, 12, 14
Course Fee: $200 (Early Bird/ANMT Member Fee: $180)

Using Steve Cuden’s book BEATING BROADWAY, these four sessions will detail the ‘beats’ of the plot line of several successful Broadway musicals. We’ll work for two sessions examining several different approaches to musical theatre structure. By the third session, you’ll select one approach which seems promising for a musical which YOU want to write. And in the fourth session you’ll bring in a bare-bones version of an outline. The goal is to build the foundation of your story, and use Cuden’s powerful tools to increase your main character’s conflict and the emotional impact (s)he will have on your audience. You’ll want after this crash course to go back and flesh out the details of your characters and subplot, etc., but you should be able to apply Cuden’s principles not only to your outline, but to many outlines to come! (Course fee includes a free copy of the book.)

The Book Lab is designed as an introduction to writing the book of a musical while also outlining the collaborative steps involved in creating a new musical with the whole team. The book of a musical is not just the spoken words, but encompasses the entire story of the musical. The Bookwriter is officially responsible for the writing of the book, but the entire writing team needs to collaborate on the story.

The collaborative process is explored through six units including: THE IDEA, THE OUTLINE, THE ROUGH DRAFT, ADDING SONGS, REVISIONS, and FINISHING TOUCHES. Along the way, other topics are incorporated including:
Unwavering Want, Action Loops, Conflict, Adaptation, Language of an outline, Story structure, Creating a Character Worksheet, Exposition, Character Diction, Dialogue, Song Spotting, Incorporating Songs, Dealing with Feedback, Collaboration Agreements, Project Pitches, Public Domain

This course qualifies as the Book Lab element of the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s Core Curriculum.

The Outlining Lab is available in-person OR online (or a combination of the two!) Video lectures, exercises, handouts, and tests are all available online. Attend the live sessions for feedback on your homework assignments - or submit your work online if you can’t make the sessions.

An outline can be an invaluable writer’s tool for clarifying the structure and story arc of a musical idea. It can then serve as a blueprint for the rough draft that the collaborators will use to develop the new musical. Writers who skip this important step in the development process are likely to find themselves bogged down with a partially written new show that is riddled with logical inconsistencies, and does not compellingly deliver the intentions of the creative team.

In the Outlining Lab, you will be lead step-by-step through the process of developing a musical idea from concept through to a working outline, with detailed constructive feedback along the way. By the end of this ten-unit course, you should have a well-developed and detailed outline that will solidly prepare you for the collaborative task of writing your new musical.

Along with the basic six steps to an outline, other topics dealt with will include: Types of Conflict, 20 Questions for your Outline, Language of an Outline, Dealing with Feedback, Pitch and Synopsis, One-Liner and Logline

All courses are offered at ANMT, 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood.

May 29, 2014

Super Gay Asian Cabaret comes to Los Angeles

Super Gay Asian comedian Kevin Yee and his inappropriate comedy songs are performing every Wednesday in August at the NoHo Arts Center. Part of the Academy of New Musical Theater summer Cabaret series, this interactive cabaret features Broadway star J.Elaine Marcos as well as some of the most diverse performers and writers in Hollywood. Bring your pink feather boa, and come see all four shows!

Kevin Yee and his original comedy songs have been making people laugh across America and beyond! ‘I’m a recovering Broadway chorus boy,’ says Yee. ‘I survived MARY POPPINS, WICKED, and MAMMA MIA, and now I’ve moved to Los Angeles to recover some of my sanity, and showcase some of my amazingly talented performing friends. Only SOME of whom are Asian, or gay. But all of them are super.’

Yee is giving four performances of his unique brand of cabaret on four Wednesdays in August, with specials guests and co-host J.Elaine Marcos. ‘J.Elaine is a legend in the Asian theater community who has been in eight Broadway shows!’ says Yee. ‘She’s probably best known as the crazy Asian girl who did the infamous ping-pong ball sequence eight shows a week in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.’

Yee is a former member of Quincy Jones’ boy band YOUTH ASYLUM. He has several viral youtube music videos, and shares his sassy coming out story in the official IT GETS BETTER book published by Penguin books. www.kevinyee.

J.Elaine Marcos is a hilarious multi talented Broadway star whose extensive Broadway credits include unforgettable roles in ANNIE, PRICILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, and THE WEDDING SINGER. On Television she has been seen in 30 ROCK, ROYAL PAINS, and LAW AND ORDER SVU. Her fast paced improv and standup style has been seen in comedy clubs across New York. www.jelainemarcos.com

For tickets, visit nmi.org and look for the Summer Concert Series. Tickets are $15.

Performances are August 6, 13, 20 and 27 at 8:30pm at the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., in North Hollywood.

May 29, 2014

It Happened in Roswell: an intergalactic musical

The new musical ‘It Happened in Roswell’ will have a limited run this August at the NoHo Arts Center.

‘It Happened in Roswell’ tells the story of hard-nosed reporter Scoop who thinks he’s just chasing a story to save his sagging career. But when the alien turns out to be a wide-eyed sexy girl whom the Army wants to capture and dissect in the laboratory, well, Scoop discovers he’s in a big pickle: get the story, or get the girl?

‘It Happened in Roswell’ won the 2014 Search for New Musicals, as well as the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2008, and the Festival of New Musicals in 2007. It was written by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal.

It’s your classic story: Boy-meets-alien, boy-loses-alien, boy-gets-alien, and everyone sings-and-dances. Billed as an intergalactic musical, ‘It Happened in Roswell’ is set on the site of a flying saucer landing at Roswell, New Mexico on July 3, 1949.<br
Director Scott Guy says, ‘It’s a charming, goofy show, without any pretensions to be anything more than a whole lot of fun. It’s packed with jokes and wonderful, earnest characters who don’t know what to do with someone who isn’t of their race. There’s a subliminal message about tolerance and acceptance as well, but me, I like it because it’s tuneful and fun.’

‘We’re loving the setting of Roswell for our musical,’ says co-writer Atkins, ‘Everything’s heightened, which makes it easier for our characters to burst into song. But there’s also a little bit of menace in the location and the post-war timeframe, which gives us some opportunity to ground the characters. It’s not ALL singin’ and dancin’. There’s, you know…romance!’

‘It Happened in Roswell’ will be presented in a workshop production (meaning suggested scenery and costumes, rather than full scenery with turntables and special effects) with an Equity cast of professionals, as part of New Musicals Inc.’s summer series. Rory Dunn plays the hard-nosed reporter, with Broadway’s Julie Tolivar as the alien. Nathan Ondracek plays a sweet 4F lad who has been too preoccupied trying to communicate with aliens to notice the love of his life, Bessie, right in front of him in the local diner. Deranged former military man Major Nails is played by John McCool Bowers. Rounding out the other eccentrics in the town are cast members Amy Bloom, Emma Sperka, Emerson Boatwright, and Carrie Madsen. Music direction is by Ron Barnett. Co-directed by Terrence Atkins and Scott Guy. Produced by New Musicals Inc.

‘It Happened in Roswell’ will be presented for nine performances on Sunday and Monday evenings from August 3 through August 25th. At the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd, in North Hollywood. Tickets are $20 and may be reserved at New Musical Inc’s website: www.nmi.org

May 27, 2014

ANMT Launches Annual 15 Minute Musicals

Three brand-new fifteen-minute musicals will have their world premiere on June 23 and 24 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. These musicals are a decades-long tradition at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, and one of the hottest tickets in town.

The 15 Minute Musical Project concludes each season of the Academy’s world-famous Core Curriculum of the writers’ workshop, which has been in existence for over 40 years.

For the final project of the curriculum, composers, lyricists and bookwriters are put together on writing teams and are given eight short weeks to write, revise and polish a brand-new musical written for actors whom they’ve never met before.

“It’s like a rite of passage,” says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Artistic Director and dramaturge/producer of this season’s 15 Minute Musicals. “We design the process to imitate a full-length show in a professional theatre: draft, rehearsal, rewrites, rehearsal, opening. It’s really a wonderful experience, but it’s often stressful, just like a million-dollar opening night. Our writers’ names are in the program, and it’s important to them they write the best show they possibly can, in the short amount of time we’ve given them.”

This season there will be three 15-minute musicals, featuring the same cast of four actors. The writers have been given a theme of Can’t Get Enough: three short musicals about addiction.

The cast for all three musicals is: Noel Britton, Sara Gonzales, Jeffrey Landman, and Kevin Yee. The musicals will be directed by Joshua Finkel, and music directed by Ron Barnett.
As a special added bonus this season, we will also be giving a glimpse into the Core Curriculum process by having the cast sing samples of the assignments that have been written during the course of year.

Tickets for June 23 and 24 are $25, and are now on sale at www.anmt.org.

May 27, 2014

The Fifth Biennial Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz Conference

Every other year, NMI and ANMT host a prestigious conference on the BUSINESS side of the musical theatre business. Panelists include award-winning writers, artistic directors, commercial producers, entertainment lawyers, agents, union reps, and social media marketing experts.
The fifth biennial conference for musical theatre writers and composers is coming to Los Angeles the weekend of July 18-20 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood, CA. This packed weekend conference includes sessions led by musical theatre professionals, who will share valuable information and advice on a variety of issues related to producing and writing musicals. Participants will have the chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from professional theatre writers about how to write a musical, and meet other emerging artists in the musical theatre world. As an added bonus, participants will also have the chance to pitch their musicals to established producers.

“The writers conference is one of the highlights of all our programs,” says NMI’s Executive Producer, Scott Guy, “We’re always so gratified to see so many writers and composers networking with each other aswell as with producers, agents, artistic directors and other industry folk. Our panelists always tell us what a terrific opportunity it is for THEM, to network with their fellow panelists. Several new musicals have come directly out of the conference; one was born in the middle of a panel discussion and has gone on to production.”
Proposed panels for this summer include:
GETTING CONNECTED: What makes a great collaborator? How do you find one? What’s more important: your relationship or your show? What do you do when your wonderful collaboration starts to get sour? Join us for war stories from the musical theatre trenches, as well as advice on how to find the right partners. We’ll also give you the opportunity to toot your own horn and to hear others toot theirs. Who knows, maybe you’ll find the collaborator of your dreams this weekend…
GETTING SMART: As you select what musical you want to write next, you might consider what musical you SHOULD write next. This panel will address tricky issues such as anticipating audience’s tastes a half-decade from now, and balancing “writing from the heart” with “getting butts in seats.” Can regional theatres predict what shows their audiences will want to see a few seasons down the road? Is the audience for musical theatre truly aging…or just changing?
GETTING READY: You know you’ve written a fantastic musical, right? But is it truly ready to show to producers? This panel will discuss a checklist of things every writer needs to consider: demos, graphics, website, graphics; formatting, sufficient workshopping, audience feedback, market research, orchestrations, etc.
GETTING ADVICE: A frank, insiders’-only Q&A with entertainment attorneys. You can ask whatever’s on your mind: copyright; obtaining rights to musicalize movies or books or people’s lives; collaboration agreements; licensing agreements; posting your work on the internet, etc. In previous conferences, this panel has been one of our most popular (and…at attorneys’ fees pushing $500-$800 an hour…worth the price of the conference all by itself!).

GETTING HEARD: Marketing! How do you get your work read and seen? This panel will discuss traditional options like festivals, prizes, and submissions, but also innovative tricks of the trade, social media, creating websites and internet calling cards, and what other tools are available to get your work out there.

GETTING REAL: Hear directly from producers and artistic directors. What are they looking for? How should you approach them? More importantly perhaps, how should you NOT approach them? NOTE: Writers enrolled in the conference will be given the opportunity to submit a short pitch about a musical, which we will forward to the producers in advance. The producers will share their thoughts about which musicals caught their attention…and why.

An ADDITIONAL bonus for everyone who’s registered for the conference (at LEAST for the Sunday session), we’ve compiled a long list of producers of new musicals who’ve agreed to receive an email pitch from conference participants who are writing musicals: writers send ANMT two paragraphs — one about themselves and one about their musical — and the Academy will send it directly to a list of over 70 regional theatres and commercial producers who have already agreed to receive the pitches.

“It’s a great weekend,” says Elise Dewsberry, NMI’s Artistic Producer, “where everyone comes together to talk about how to write musicals and the future of the American musical. A lot of great information, great laughs, and great food.”

“Little did we know back in 2006 when we produced our first conference,” continues Dewsberry, “how successful they would turn out to be. This will be our fifth conference in eight years, our biggest one yet; and it’s become a destination event for serious musical theatre writers. A great opportunity for networking and learning how to write a musical.”

Tickets for the entire conference are $595 - single-day rates are also available.

For a $100 discount, be sure to register prior to the Early Registration Deadline of June 15.

To register or for more information, CLICK HERE, or call (818) 506-8500. The conference will take place at the NoHo Arts Center (in the heart of the NoHo Arts District) at 11136 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601.

April 16, 2014

New Voices, New Musicals, MAY 6 at The Colony Theatre

On May 6th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, the New Musicals Initiative and the Academy for New Musical Theatre will present the fifth annual got musical!, a sneak preview of brand-new musicals the Initiative has been creating this season, as well as an insight into the Academy’s unique curriculum for musical theatre writers. As a special bonus, got musical will feature the songs of three 21-23 year olds, the winners of this year’s New Voices Project, sponsored in part by Walt Disney Imagineering.

The concert will feature highlights from this season of musical theatre development at ANMT, including:

City of Light by Gabrielle Wagner, Jan Roper, and Julie Weiner
Rails to Ruin by Peter Welkin, Ron Barnett, and Randi Wolfe
Roughing it with Mark Twain by Ken Stone and Jan Powell
OK in Wisconsin by Richard Castle and Matthew Levine
It Happened in Roswell by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal (winner of the 2014 Search for New Musicals
Smoldering by Mitch Glaser and Marc Macalintal (current Core Curriculum participant)

The concert will also feature generous selections from The Max Factor Factor by Adrian Bewley, Joseph Blodgett, and Chana Wise, which has had several workshops at ANMT, and is now gearing up to have its world premiere this summer at the NoHo arts Center.
The youngest composers on the program have come through this year’s New Voices Project, in which writers under the age of 26 submitted their work, received intensive feedback from a distinguished panel, and their final revisions will now be presented as part of got musical. Those writers are:
6 by Zach Zadek (New Voices winner)
Canterbury Tales by Danny Bernstein (New Voices winner)
Another Happy Ending by Santino DeAngelo (New Voices winner)

The excerpts will be presented by members of the Academy Repertory Company (Sari Rose Barron, Elise Dewsberry, Scott Guy, Evelyn Halus, David Holmes, Andrea Press, Tedd Szeto, and Peter Welkin); and Guest Artists Jordan Kai Burnett, Randy Guiaya, Justin Jones, Ryan Ruge, Christina Valo, Gabrielle Wagner; and members of the 4x10 Showcase Company; with Ron Barnett at the piano.

“We are showcasing some great material this year, ” says ANMT/NMI Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “but we are particularly excited about featuring the winners of our New Voices Project. We are really grateful to Disney Imagineering for helping make it possible for us bring these three talented young men to Los Angeles to be part of the evening. What a privilege to be part of the development of the musical theatre writers of the future.”
“We’re also thrilled to be featuring the members of our new 4x10 Company,” adds Founding Artistic Director John Sparks. “This company is being formed specifically to showcase the material of ANMT writers, and we’re excited to bring you a sneak peek of our inaugural season.”

Showcasing the tradition of creating and writing musicals, got musical! takes place at 8:00pm on May 6th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. Tickets are $10.
Supporters of ANMT (at the $100 level) receive two tickets to got musical! as well as access to a special pre-show wine and cheese reception and post-show dessert and coffee reception.
To become a Supporter of ANMT, CLICK HERE
For more information, and to make a reservation, please visit www.anmt.org and click on got musical!

March 27, 2014

THE MAX FACTOR FACTOR Indiegogo Campaign

New Musicals Initiative has launched an Indeigogo campaign to help raise the final $5,000 of the production budget for the world premiere of ‘The Max Factor Factor’, a world premier new musical. The crowdfunding campaign will be running through Tuesday, April 8th.

The Max Factor Factor, written by Adrian Bewley (Book), Joe Blodgett (Music), and Chana Wise (Lyrics) is a screwball comedy that takes place in the 1930’s about two rival movie studios whose leading men fall in love with each other. “This show asks us to examine what kind of sacrifices we’re willing to make for success or societal acceptance,” says lyricist Chana Wise. “Although it concerns a serious subject, it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s funny, it’s charming, it’s romantic, happily nostalgic, and very tuneful.”

The funds raised through Indiegogo will go towards: set, sound, lighting, and costume design, union fees for our actors and director, marketing and graphic design, theatre rental at The Noho Arts Center, rehearsal space, props, musicians, and a music director. There are various donor gift offerings and all donations are tax deductible. Donations are accepted at: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/the-max-factor-factor/x/3628888

Over the past couple of seasons, NMI has been developing The Max Factor Factor for the Celebration Theatre and now NMI is stepping in to produce the world premiere of this fantastic new musical this summer at the NoHo Arts Center. Ovation award-winning Michael Shepperd is onboard to direct and NMI’s Scott Guy and Elise Dewsberry are producing.

NMI is an extension of the Academy of New Musical Theatre (ANMT) which is a 501(c)3 “not-for-profit” global community of writers, composers, producers and actors who work together to create new musicals. NMI seeks to encourage and enable writers, producers, directors, and dramaturgs to take a more collaborative and strategic approach to the creation of new works right from the start, before the pen even hits the page. The initiative hopes to foster the creation of exceptionally well crafted new musicals, that are intentional and intelligent in design. Based in Los Angeles, NMI develops new musicals for producers all across the nation, and occasionally also produces new work. In 2010 NMI produced 40 is the New 15, and in 2012 produced A Ring in Brooklyn: a frickin’ musical.

The Max Factor Factor will be running July 26th- August 31st, 2014 at The Noho Arts Center in North Hollywood, California. For Tickets, please visit www.anmt.org

March 5, 2014

New Voices Project 2014 Finalists Announced

New Musicals Initiative is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2014 New Voices Project. Three talented young musical theatre writers will have selections from their new musicals showcased as part of the New Musical Initiative’s annual GOT MUSICAL concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on Tuesday, May 6, 2014.

After carefully reviewing many promising submissions from 18-25 year old writers across the country, the New Voices Project has selected these young writers to be showcased: Daniel Bernstein, Santino DeAngelo, and Zach Zadek.

The three promising writers will have their work reviewed by a distinguished panel of musical theatre professionals including representatives from Walt Disney Imagineering, and members of the staff of the Academy for New Musical Theatre (Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director; Scott Guy, Lyric Lab Instructor; and Ross Kalling, Director of Music Curriculum).

Daniel Bernstein was born and raised in Westchester, NY and is currently a senior music major at Cornell University, with a minor in Theatre Performance. As a playwright, he has won four playwriting competitions: twice at Stagedoor Manor’s Dramafest Ten-Minute Play Competition (“Human Nature” and “A Series of Awkward Moments”), and twice at Cornell University’s Heermans- McCalmon Playwriting Competition (“Waking Up and Keys”). His first full-length musical, “Far From Canterbury”, for which he has written the book, lyrics and music, is set to premiere at Cornell as a Mainstage production in April 2014, a project for which he has received the 2013-14 Undergraduate Artist of the Year Award through the Cornell Council for the Arts.

Bernstein says, “It’s my belief that if stories are the way we understand the world, music is the way we understand how we feel about it. What I love about musical theatre, is how it can shape our minds through words, and touch our hearts through music. The interaction of these two forces has brought to life some of the most timeless works of art in American History.”

Santino DeAngelo is a New York based writer, composer and director of experimental theater, musical theater, and film. He began his professional career writing music for the Golf Channel/PGA Tour when he was 14 and has gone on to compose orchestral, chamber works, ballets, and musical theater, working with the Classical Association of the Atlantic States, the Discovery Center, the Binghamton Philharmonic, as well as professional soloists Pej Reitz, Hakan Tayga-hromek, and John Covelli. Santino is the recipient of numerous grants and awards, including the Rod Serling Award for Best Screenwriting, the Harpur Fellows Award, the United Cultural Fund, and the Classical Club Project Grant.

Regarding his passion for musicals, Santino DeAngelo said, “Musical Theatre is so compelling to me because I love telling a story. Adding music to storytelling allows me to comment on society in ways totally impossible through other theatrical forms.”

Zack Zadek is a Long Island born composer/lyricist and singer/songwriter. His work has been heard at the Highline Ballroom, Joe’s Pub, 54 Below, (Le) Poisson Rouge, Galapagos Art Space, and as part of In “The Valley: The Songs of Zack Zadek” at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Zack’s sold-out musical “6”, an intimate telling of six New Yorkers who, by six degrees of separation, unknowingly change each other’s lives, was selected by the 2012 New York Musical Theatre Festival and is currently undergoing development. In addition to writing and performing new musical theatre, Zack is an active solo artist who has banged on pianos across New York, London, and Los Angeles. His current projects include “The Crazy Ones” (NYMF 2013), a new musical about Steve Jobs and Apple, Inc., “The Party In My Mind”, a new immersive dance song cycle, and upcoming solo EP. Zack is a proud member of ASCAP and the Dramatist’s Guild of America.

From March 24th- April 16th, the 2014 The New Voices Project winners will have the opportunity to develop their new musicals, receive feedback, and make revisions. This workshop culminates with a public presentation of their works as part of the GOT MUSICAL concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on May 6th 2014. The material of the New Voices Project writers will be performed by local Los Angeles musical theatre performers.

“We are very proud of this program,” says NMI’s Artistic Producer Elise Dewsberry. “This is one of only a very few opportunities specifically designed for young musical theatre writers. The only other opportunity I know of on the west coast is Show Search, sponsored by the Festival of New American Musicals, which showcases completed short musicals by high school and college-aged writers. These writers are so important to the future of this great American art form - and we are thrilled to be contributing to that future!”

New Musicals Initiative seeks to encourage and enable writers, producers, directors, and dramaturgs to take a more collaborative and strategic approach to the creation of new works right from the start, before the pen even hits the page. The initiative hopes to foster the creation of exceptionally well crafted new musicals, that are intentional and intelligent in design. NMI strives to pave the way for the development of new musical theatre that is imaginative, inspiring, and impactful in today’s world.

For information on the New Musicals Initiative or the New Voices Project, visit www.newmusicalsinc.net

February 19, 2014

ANMT expanding its staff

The Academy for New Musical Theatre welcomes its newest staff addition, Laura Mann. Laura will serve as ANMT’s first full-time administrative assistant.

Laura has a BFA in musical theatre from Syracuse University, with a minor in marketing. She has performed in numerous musicals at theatres regionally as well as Off, and Off Off Broadway in New York. Laura has previously worked as an assistant at New Dramatists in New York, at Shakespeare & Company in the Berkshires and has produced theatre at multiple venues in Los Angeles.

Laura’s responsibilities include bookkeeping, website and database updating, communication with composers, lyricists and bookwriters, and overseeing social media relations.

“Musical theatre has been one of my greatest passions for as long as I can remember, and I’m loving being a part of a community which is writing musicals every day I come to work!” says Laura.

In the past decade, the Academy for New Musical Theatre has experienced a period of astonishing growth, expanding from a three-day-a-month writers’ workshop with a volunteer staff, to a bustling professional organization with a staff of seven, and hundreds of writers, actors, directors, and music directors workshopping and writing musicals for producers and theatres across the country.

“Hiring Laura is a milestone for us,” says the Academy’s Executive Director, Scott Guy. “Our first full-time hire! The rest of the staff has each begun part-time and worked over the years to increase value and programming to the point that we were overwhelmed with work. Having Laura here every day is such a wonderful thing; she’s smart, quick, talented, eager…and perhaps most astonishing of all, uncomplaining.”

The Academy offers a hands-on curriculum for new writers interesting in writing musicals and developmental assistance for more experienced, professional writers who need a place to fine tune and showcase their musical.

Musical theatre writers interested in creating new musicals should contact Laura at lauramann@anmt.org or 818.506.8500.

November 15, 2013

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR ANMT’s 2013 SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced today at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

First Prize goes to It Happened in Roswell (formerly titled I Come For Love) by Terrence Atkins and Jeffery Lyle Segal.

Second Prize goes to The Looking Glass Wars by Kurt Kuenne, based on the novel by Frank Beddor.

Third Prize goes to Infamous, with book by Karen M. Cohen, music and lyrics by Stephen Kingsbury, and additional music and lyrics by Karen M. Cohen.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

‘We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,’ says Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of the Academy. ‘We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!’

It Happened in Roswell tells the story of an ambitious reporter who cooks up a bogus UFO story in Roswell, New Mexico (just after World War 2); and is thrown for a loop when he finds himself falling in love with an actual alien who has come to earth looking for the emotions she has heard about through radio transmissions but can’t find on her home planet. This new musical will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, and a concert reading in Los Angeles in 2014.

The Looking Glass Wars is a musical adaptation of the popular trilogy which tells the “real” story behind Lewis Carroll’s “distorted” version. The Looking Glass Wars will receive an ANMT staff table reading and evaluation.

Infamous tells the story of a rock star on the decline who runs into a rock star on her way up to stardom. This new muscial will receive an in-depth analysis from the ANMT dramaturgical staff.

ANMT is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to ANMT for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

Many writers have been very enthusiastic about the feedback they have received by submitting to ANMT’s Search, saying:

“The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!”
–Michael Dresser; bookwriter/lyricist/composer, Marilyn

“Thanks again for your honesty and smarts. Your candor, insights and graciousness are much appreciated. It’s the best tutorial I’ve ever had and, like most artists, I generally don’t sit still for tutorials.”
–Ed Goldman, composer/lyricist/librettist, Friday@5

“Thanks for the honest evaluation. That’s not easy to come by and the level of detail you provided far exceeded my expectations so I feel I got more than my money’s worth.”
–S.D. Williams, bookwriter, New York Tendaberry

All musicals submitted (at any level) to ANMT by JULY 15, 2014 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season.

Winners of the 2014 Search will be announced by November 15, 2014. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

ANMT has a development process which has been around for four decades, guiding writers in the craft of writing musicals through a number of stages, including outlines, rough drafts, table readings and concert readings.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org. ANMT is located at 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, California (91601). Writers who have questions may email academy@anmt.org.

September 1, 2013

ANMT OFFERS FREE INTRODUCTORY MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOPS

The Academy for New Musical Theatre will be holding open sessions for the first two months of the 2013-14 season of their famed Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers can attend the September sessions and get put on collaborative teams right away. Presentations of those assignments will take place at the October sessions. Determinations for ongoing membership will be made after the October sessions. (There is NO FEE to try out the first two months.)

Beginning every September, ANMT’s Core Curriculum meets one weekend a month (2:30-6:30 Saturday, 2:30-7:30 on Sunday), and is the foundation for all of the writing courses at ANMT. Along with discussions about the craft of writing for musical theatre, composers, lyricists and bookwriters are put together to form collaborative teams for a variety of musical assignments.

The following month, the work is presented and given highly constructive feedback from staff and peers. Then, participants are paired with a different set of collaborators and a new assignment is tackled.

Concurrently, each participant completes a craft-specific lab focusing on his or her main area(s) of concentration, i.e.; composing for the musical theatre, lyric writing, or book writing.

Before the end of the season, each participant will collaborate on an original 15-minute musical, which is cast with professional actors, directed, rehearsed, and then presented for a live audience. Following this rigorous experience, participants and staff meet to discuss the whole process.

“We’re very serious about this program,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “It’s not for the faint of heart. We expect our participants to be interested in a professional career in musical theatre, and we demand professional standards and committment.”

Potential participants can view videos with testimonials from past participants, as well as a video endorsement by the Tony Award winning co-creator of Avenue Q, Jeff Marx, on the ANMT website at www.anmt.org/workshop

There is also a video transcription of a recent Demo Workshop - in which the ANMT Staff discusses the program and past participants answer questions - available for viewing at this link:
http://www.anmt.org/video_demo.asp

“We’re very excited about our ability to accept long-distance participants”
says Founding Artistic Director John Sparks. “Our live-streamcasting allows writers to take part in the program even if they do not live in Los Angeles.”

The September dates are Saturday, September 21 (from 2:30 to 6:30pm) and Sunday, September 22 (from 2:30 to 7:30pm). The October dates will be the same timeframe on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in checking out this vibrant community should contact academy@anmt.org to reserve a spot in the September and October sessions, beginning on Saturday, September 21 at 2:30pm at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood.

Participants who wish to take part via streamcast should also email academy@anmt.org to receive a login to our secure website for streamcast viewing.

July 25, 2013

NEW VOICES PROJECT FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

The New Musicals Initiative is thrilled to announce the finalists for the New Voices Project. These young musical theatre writers will have their material showcased as part of the 17th annual Stages New Musical Theatre Festival held in Los Angeles between August 23-25, 2013 at the Academy for New Musical Theatre (5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood).

After carefully reviewing many promising submissions from 18-25 year old writers from all across the country, the New Voices Project has selected five young writers to be showcased: Amar Benkhoukha, Ion Constantine, Nick Jester, Christopher Byron Pratt, and Noah Reece.

Their work will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of musical theatre professionals including Michael Jung, Vice President of Theatrical Development for Walt Disney Imagineering Creative Entertainment, and members of the staff of the Academy for New Musical Theatre (Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director; Scott Guy, Lyric Lab Instructor; and Ross Kalling, Director of Music Curriculum).

Christopher Byron Pratt is a senior at Webster Conservatory in St. Louis. This year he released, “Brand New Skin,” an album of his original works completely produced by undergraduate students. Chris is currently composing music for an original production of “Alice in Wonderland” premiering at Webster Conservatory this fall.

Noah Reece grew up in various states in the Midwest as the son of a music director. He is about to enter his junior year as a directing major at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. While Noah has taken piano lessons from a young age, played the oboe for many years, and has always sung, he is largely self-taught in the area of composition. He hopes to continue creating his own musical and otherwise dramatic works through the rest of his training and on into his professional career in addition to pursuing acting.

Ion Constantine is a composer originally from Romania, currently attending Long Island University (LIU) and pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. Paul writes with his co-bookwriter/lyricist Amar Benkhouka.

Nick Jester is a Lincoln, Nebraska native currently pursuing a degree in contemporary music from Columbia College Chicago with a minor in acting. He has written and produced three full-length productions: a musical comedy entitled “Chiropractical”, the musical revue “A Life in the City” and most recently the music and sketch comedy revue “O Street, Where Art Thou?”

When asked about the future of musical theatre, writer Nick Jester said: “Personally, I think musical theatre is a great place to foster the marriage of music and comedy and I hope to see more quality pieces in that idiom in the future.”

“I have faith in the creativity and originality of artists today,” says Noah Reece. “I adore a catchy tune, but above all I would hope that utilizing music to tap into the truth of human life and behavior would remain at the heart of what we do.”

Writer Christopher Byron Pratt had this to say: “I think that the great musicals of today are the ones that look to the future. The characters see and realize the potential in themselves, and strive to achieve their goals. I think that is true of the massive generation of young musical theatre writers in the world today. We know what a magnificent thing a musical can be, and we will sit in our basements with our untuned pianos until the next great American musical is written.”

The New Voices Project will take place on August 24th at 8:30pm at the Academy for New Musical Theatre (5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood). The work of the New Voices Project writers will be showcased by local Los Angeles musical theatre performers Will Collyer, Jordan Kai Burnett, Randy Guiaya, Tara Hunnewell, and Christina Valo, with Bryan Blaskie at the piano.

In an exciting display of technology, the event will be live-streamcast so that anyone with a computer will be able to tune in from anywhere in the world. (For details on finding the streamcast, check on the reservation page.)

The New Musicals Initiative is the professional division of the Academy for New Musical Theatre. ANMT is a Los Angeles based developmental company offering workshops, seminars and online courses designed to help artists develop and produce new musical theatre works. NMI is delighted to be able to showcase new voices of the future of musical theatre.

For information on the Stages New Musical Theatre Festival, visit www.anmt.org.

July 11, 2013

Stages Musical Theatre Festival

Stages Musical Theatre Festival returns to Los Angeles this August. This prestigious festival of new musicals - featuring eight new musicals presented in concert readings - will be produced the weekend of August 23-25 by the New Musicals Initiative (the professional wing of the Academy for New Musical Theatre) and will be presented in two locations: the Lonny Chapman Theatre (10900 Burbank Blvd in North Hollywood) and the Academy, 5628 Vineland in North Hollywood.

An annual Chicago tradition for 15 years in Chicago, Stages moved to Los Angeles in 2010, becoming a biennial festival.

The New Musicals Initiative will be bringing together dozens of writers and over fifty actors to present eight brand-new shows. The schedule is designed so that a Festival Pass holder can see four shows on one day at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, and the other four shows at the Academy on the other. Or, if audience members have only one day, they can pick and choose among all eight shows, shuttling between the Lonny Chapman Theatre and the Academy, which are five doors away from each other.

The shows featured at the “First Stage” (at the Lonny Chapman Theatre) will be:Mad Bomber - winner of the 2013 Search for New Musicals - based on the true story of the man who terrorized New York in the 1950s by setting off a series of bombs to get back at Con Edison (written by Charles Monagan and Richard deRosa);Vlad: a vampire’s love story - a re-envisioning of the classic vampire story, with a 4-person cast, a rock score, and some plot twists you might not be expecting (written by Plácido Domingo, Samantha Domingo, and Scott Guy);Wanting Miss Julie - a modern re-telling of the Strindberg classic (written by John Sparks, Jake Anthony, and Patricia Zehentmayr); andBloodline - the story of a 1920s spinster who finds herself engaged to a vampire with ulterior motives (written by Richard Castle and Clifford Tasner).

The shows featured at the “Very First Stage” (at the Academy for New Musical Theatre) are:LA Carmen - a futuristic setting for the beloved Carmen set in a time when speaking Spanish is illegal (in development with the Latino Theatre Company; written by Evelina Fernandez, Rosino Serrano, and Richard Castle);Over the Horizon - a collective project by writers at the University of California at Irvine, about an Iraqi blogger and the son of an American soldier;The Max Factor Factor - an ice-cold reading of a musical about closeted gay film stars in the 1920’s.New Voices Project - a final slot to be filled by a showcase of material from brand new, young writers.

The festival begins on Friday evening August 23, and continues morning, afternoon and evening through August 25.

Festival Passes cost $50 and will admit you to every event in the Festival from Friday through Sunday. Single tickets will also be available - but Festival Pass Holders will be given priority seating.

“There are only 90 seats at the Group Rep Theatre,” explains the Festival’s Executive Director Scott Guy, “and so it’s possible there won’t be seats for last-minute individual ticket buyers. To counterbalance that, we’re scheduling events at the Academy a half-hour later than the ones at the theatre, so there still will be a musical to see for everyone.”

Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry explains the distinction between events at the Academy and those at the theatre: “Events at the Academy showcase first drafts, whereas the ones at the theatre have all had several more stages of development…hence the word ‘Stages.’ We’ve also invited a team of writers from the University of California at Irvine to bring us a brand new musical they’ve been developing; we’re planning a special event for young up-and-coming writers to showcase their work - the New Voices Project; and for the first time ever we are planning a special “ice cold reading” in which the cast will be handed their script and score as the lights come up and they will literally cold-read and sight-sing their way through the piece with no preparation at all. New musical theatre, at every stage of development.”

Festival passes may be purchased for $50 through the Academy’s website at www.anmt.org

June 18, 2013

15 Minute Musicals at ANMT

Four brand-new fifteen-minute musicals will have their world premiere on June 24 and 25 at the Met Theatre in Hollywood. These musicals are a decades-long tradition at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, and one of the hottest tickets in town.

The 15 Minute Musical Project concludes each season of the Academy’s world-famous core curriculum of the writers’ workshop, which has been in existence for over 40 years.

For the final project of the curriculum, composers and lyricists and bookwriters are put together on writing teams and are given eight short weeks to write, revise and polish a brand-new musical written for five actors whom they’ve never met before.

“It’s like a rite of passage,” says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Artistic Director and producer of the 15 Minute Musicals. “We design the process to imitate a full-length show in a professional theatre: draft, rehearsal, rewrites, rehearsal, opening. It’s really a wonderful experience, but it’s often stressful, just like a million dollar opening night. Our writers’ names are in the program, and it’s important to them they write the best show they possibly can, in the short amount of time we’ve given them.”

This season there will be four 15-minute musicals, featuring the same cast of four actors. The writers have been given a theme of HAVES and HAVE NOTS, and have cooked up four wildly different approaches to this theme.

These evenings are an annual highlight of the Academy’s year-long season of developing new musicals and feature many new voices in musical theatre. Every seat in the house usually sells out.

The four shows presented each evening (June 24 and 25) are:
Gracie…from Economy Class with book and lyrics by Joel Adlen and music by David Anthony Hall..
Conception of Love with book by Robert Rosen, music by David Haworth, and lyrics by Denis McCourt
In Mysterious Ways with book by R.K. Rich, music by Brian Graden, and lyrics by Ben Boquist
Coming Out of the Cave with book by John Aaron, music by Ron Barnett, and lyrics by R.K. Rich

The cast for all four musicals is: Nikki Jenkins, Kevin Noonchester, Rachel Tyler, and Peter Welkin. The four musicals are directed by Scott Guy, with music direction by Jake Anthony.

Tickets are $25; the performances begin at 7:30pm. For tickets, reservations and more info: www.anmt.org

June 18, 2013

SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 15

Have you written a great new musical, and are you looking for feedback and/or an opportunity for a concert reading? Don’t miss the July 15 deadline for the annual Search for New Musicals at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,” beams Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of the Academy. “We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so I’m am looking forward to seeing what submissions we will get this season.”

Established in 2008, the Search for New Musicals has awarded concert readings and/or workshops to seventeen promising new musicals including Mad Bomber by Charles Monagan and Richard de Rosa, Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright, Chapter Eleven by Stephen Telfer, Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley, The Water by Georgia Stitt, Jeff Hylton, and Tim Werenko; Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Jr., Chris Budinich, Diana Belkowski, Dan Tramon, and Carl Anthony Tramon; Girl Detective by Alan Gordon and Mark Sutton-Smith; Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo; The Next Fairy Tale by Brian Pugach; and Life After Life by Tracey Langran Corea and Thaddeus Corea.

If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to ANMT for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

The submission deadline this season is July 15, 2013. All submissions will receive either an audio Overview Evaluation ($100 submission level) or an audio/video Detailed Analysis ($400 submission level), and will also be automatically entered into the Search contest..

“I’ve never received a more cogent and useable evaluation,” wrote Search writer Elliott Baker (author of The Tooth Fairy’s Daughter). “I’m very comfortable with the critique process but I have never finished reading a critique/evaluation with as much desire and energy to go to work on and polish a piece.”

“The evaluation was far more in-depth than I expected and seemed to cover all the key aspects of the show. Frankly, I found it more helpful than a staged reading would have been,” stated Search participant Barbara Campbell (bookwriter/lyricist of The Awakening). “This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic ‘nuts and bolts’ than I have ever received to date.”

British writer Michael Dresser stated “The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!”

All entries will receive constructive dramaturgical feedback, and will be entered in the Search contest. The winner of the 2013 Search will be announced by November 15, and will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and will be given a concert reading in Los Angeles, a prize valued at approximately $10,000.

Writers can submit their shows electronically via ANMT’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org.

March 22, 2013

ANMT’s GOT MUSICAL – April 12 at the Colony Theatre

On Friday, April 12th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will present the fourth annual Got Musical!, a sneak preview of brand-new musicals in development for producers across the country, giving an insight into the Academy’s process for creating new musicals from scratch specifically for producers and theatre companies, as well as an insight into the Academy’s unique curriculum for musical theatre writers.

“The Academy’s writers have a 40 year history of writing musicals,” says Executive Director Scott Guy. “The ANMT producer-driven development process is fairly simple: the producer generates or approves an idea; the creative team creates a paragraph-sized version, then a half-dozen-page version, and eventually a 15-minute first pass. At this point, the producer either shuts down the project, or agrees to produce a public reading of the work. If a producer approves of the project after the first 15-minute pass, the Academy supports table readings and workshops of the work, nurturing it through first draft. Then, the producer produces a public reading of the work at his expense. After the producer has fulfilled his obligation by producing the reading, he is under no obligation to produce the musical; but if he does produce the musical, the Academy expects the producer to do so under terms approved by the Dramatists Guild.

“We’ve found this to be a win-win situation for the writer and for the producer,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “and we’re excited to share this funny, artful and stimulating evening and showing off our innovative business model for developing new musicals for independent producers and theatre companies.”

Showcasing the tradition of creating and writing musicals, Got Musical! takes place at 8:00pm on Friday, April 12th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. Tickets are $10. For more information, and to make a reservation, please visit www.anmt.org and click on Got Musical!

March 7, 2013

Musical Theatre Festival returns to Los Angeles

Stages Musical Theatre Festival returns to Los Angeles this August. This prestigious festival of new musicals will be produced the weekend of August 23-25 by the New Musicals Initiative at the Academy for New Musical Theatre at the Lonny Chapman Theatre (10900 Burbank Blvd in North Hollywood) and the Academy, 5628 Vineland in North Hollywood, featuring eight new musicals, in concert.

An annual Chicago tradition for 15 years in Chicago, Stages moved to Los Angeles in 2010, becoming a biannual festival.

The New Musicals Initiative will be bringing together dozens of writers and over fifty actors to present eight brand-new shows. The schedule is designed so that a Festival Pass holder can see four shows on one day at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, and the other four shows at the Academy on the other. Or, if audience members have only one day, they can pick and choose among all eight shows, shuttling between the theatre and the Academy, which are five doors away from each other.

Musicals in the festival will be announced in late spring. “We know we’re presenting a new work by Placido Domingo, Jr., and the winning musical from our Search for New Musicals,” says the Festival’s Artistic Director and Producer Elise Dewsberry. “And we’re in talks with Brendan Milburn & Valerie Vigoda (of the band GrooveLily) about including their new musical Beautiful Poison, currently in development with bookwriter Duane Poole at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle. Stay tuned as we get ready to announce all eight titles and casts.”

Festival Passes cost $75 and will admit you to every event in the Festival except a Friday night gala. As was the tradition in Chicago, tickets to individual events will be available at the box office 15 minutes before curtain; individual tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Festival pass holders will be given priority seating, and any remaining tickets will be available for purchase by individuals.

“There are only 90 seats at the Group Rep Theatre,” explains the Festival’s Executive Director Scott Guy, “and so it’s possible there won’t be seats for individual ticket buyers. To counterbalance that, we’re scheduling events at the Academy a half-hour later than the ones at the theatre, so there still will be a musical to see for everyone.”

Dewsberry explains the distinction between events at the Academy and those at the theatre: “Events at the Academy showcase first drafts, whereas the ones at the theatre have all had several more stages of development…hence the word ‘Stages.’ We’re contemplating including some even NEWER works, brand new pieces written just a few days before the Festival. New musical theatre, at every stage of development. STAGES is a wonderful behind-the-scenes look for an audience interested in how to write musicals.”

Stages in Chicago solicited submissions from writers all around the country, involving readers and artistic directors to help recommend finalists. The Academy for New Musical Theatre offers many opportunities for writers who are learning how to write musicals, including workshops, curriculum, table readings, concert readings and rehearsal space.
Festival passes may be purchased in advance for $75 through the Academy’s website at www.anmt.org

December 17, 2012

ANMT hires composer Bryan Blaskie

The Academy for New Musical Theatre welcomes its newest staff addition: Bryan Blaskie. Bryan will serve as ANMT’s administrative assistant.

Bryan first joined ANMT as a composer during 2011-2012’s Core Curriculum. After successfully completing the program, he wrote the music for “iWish” as part of the Academy’s 2012 15-Minute Musicals program. In addition to his work as a composer, Bryan is an accompanist for various programs in Los Angeles. He played Keyboard II for ANMT’s production of “A Ring in Brooklyn”. He is a staff accompanist for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. He also performs around the LA area in his blues duo, Torch Note. Bryan is from Columbus, Ohio, where he studied music composition and piano performance at Denison University.

Bryan’s responsibilities include supervising the online Catalogue for New Musicals, overseeing new technology and social media, as well as traditional office management, database supervision, and daily/weekly communication with composers, lyricists and bookwriters.

“It’s exciting working in such a creative place!” beams Blaskie, “coming into work and hearing the place buzzing with singing, rehearsals, auditions, and hearing folks testing out new songs in progress and taking workshops in how to write musicals. I look forward to coming in every time!”

In the past decade, the Academy for New Musical Theatre has experienced a period of astonishing growth, expanding from a three-day-a-month writers’ workshop with a volunteer staff, to a bustling professional organization with a staff of seven, and hundreds of writers, actors, directors, and music directors workshopping and developing more than forty musicals annually, for producers and theatres across the country.

The Academy offers online and live curriculum in from the professional producer to the enthusiast who is just learning how to write musicals.

“I’m really a lucky guy,” says Blaskie. “I’ve wound up in the right spot and the right time. I love my bosses — we have a gas working together; lots of laughter and clowning around. But at the end of the day, I take this job very seriously. I know the opportunity they’re giving me here. But now it’s up to me to make something exciting happen.”

Musical theatre writers interested in creating new musicals should contact Bryan at academy@anmt.org or 818.506.8500.

November 1, 2012

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR ANMT’s 2012 SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS

Winners of the prestigious international Search for New Musicals were announced last night at the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

First Prize goes to Mad Bomber; book and lyrics by Charles Monagan; music by Richard DeRosaSecond Prize goes to Chapter Eleven; by Stephen TelferThird Prize goes to Jack the Ripper; libretto by Dan Kehde, music by Mark Scarpelli

The Search for New Musicals accepts entrants from around the globe; winners receive awards worth up to $25,000 in workshop productions, concert readings, feedback, and developmental support.

‘We are thrilled to sponsor the Search,’ beams Elise Dewsberry, Artistic Director of the Academy. ‘We love seeing what writers are creating; and of course our mission is to nurture the folks who are writing musicals, so announcing the winners of the Search is one of my favorite things to do all year!’

Mad Bomber tells the true story of a madman with a grudge against Con Edison who plants a series of bombs in 1950s Manhattan. Concerted effort by cops, politicians, reporters leads to his capture. This new musical will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company in January of 2013, and a concert reading as part of the 17th Annual Stages Festival of New Musicals in the summer of 2013.

Chapter Eleven depicts the collapse of a major corporation from the point of view of its indicted CEO, whose lawyer is preparing his defense in the form of a musical. This new musical will receive an ANMT staff table reading and feedback session in the spring of 2013.

Jack the Ripper is a new exploration of the iconic tale of the 1880’s murderer who haunted the streets of London and was never apprehended. This new muscial will receive an indepth analysis from the ANMT dramaturgical staff.

2012 is the fifth annual Search for New Musicals. Previous winnershave included: The Water by Jeff Hylton, Tim Werenko, and Georgia Stitt (2008); Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo (2009);Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley and Arthur Sullivan (2010), and Emerald by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright (2011).

ANMT is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to ANMT for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

Many writers have been very enthusiastic about the feedback they have received by submitting to ANMT’s Search, saying:

“The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!”
–Michael Dresser; bookwriter/lyricist/composer, Marilyn

“Thanks again for your honesty and smarts. Your candor, insights and graciousness are much appreciated. It’s the best tutorial I’ve ever had and, like most artists, I generally don’t sit still for tutorials.”
–Ed Goldman, composer/lyricist/librettist, Friday@5

“Thanks for the honest evaluation. That’s not easy to come by and the level of detail you provided far exceeded my expectations so I feel I got more than my money’s worth.”
–S.D. Williams, bookwriter, New York Tendaberry

All musicals submitted (at any level) to ANMT by JULY 1, 2013 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season.

Winners will be announced by November 1, 2013. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

ANMT has a development process which has been around for four decades, guiding writers in the craft of writing musicals through a number of stages, including outlines, rough drafts, table readings and concert readings.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org. ANMT is located at 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, California (91601). Writers who have questions may email academy@anmt.org.

September 4, 2012

MUSICAL THEATRE PROFESSIONALS INVITED TO OPEN WORKSHOP SESSIONS

The Academy for New Musical Theatre will be holding open sessions for the first two months of the 2012-13 season of their famed Musical Theatre Writers’ Workshop.

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers can attend the September sessions and get put on collaborative teams right away. Presentations of those assignments will take place at the October sessions. Determinations for ongoing membership will be made after the October sessions.

Beginning every September, ANMT’s Core Curriculum meets one weekend a month (2:30-6:30 Saturday, 2:30-7:30 on Sunday), and is the foundation for all of the writing courses at ANMT. Along with discussions about the craft of writing for musical theatre, composers, lyricists and bookwriters are put together to form collaborative teams for a variety of musical assignments. The following month, the work is presented and given highly constructive feedback from staff and peers. Then, participants are paired with a different set of collaborators and a new assignment is tackled.

Concurrently, each participant completes a craft-specific lab focusing on his or her main area(s) of concentration, i.e.; composing for the musical theatre, lyric writing, or book writing. Before the end of the season, each participant will collaborate on an original 15-minute musical, which is cast with professional actors, directed, rehearsed, and then presented for a live audience. Following this rigorous experience, participants and staff meet to discuss the whole process.

“We’re very serious about this program,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “It’s not for the faint of heart. We expect our participants to be interested in a professional career in musical theatre, and we demand professional standards and committment.”

Potential participants can view videos with testimonials from past participants, as well as a video endorsement by the Tony Award winning co-creator of Avenue Q, Jeff Marx, on the ANMT website at www.anmt.org/workshop

“We’re very excited about our ability to accept long-distance participants” says Founding Artistic Director John Sparks. “Our live-streamcasting allows writers to take part in the program even if they do not live in Los Angeles.”

Bookwriters, lyricists, and composers interested in checking out this vibrant community should contact academy@anmt.org to reserve a spot in the September and October sessions, beginning on Saturday, September 15 at 2:30pm at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood.

August 12, 2012

Der FrankLloydWrightenlieder – New Date

The date for ANMT’s concert presentation of ‘Der FrankLloydWrightenlieder’ has been changed. Originally scheduled for August 15, the date of the concert now is August 22nd. Here are the details:

Der FrankLloydWrightenlieder. A musical feud for rich dilletante and freak architect. Based on actual letters between the grande patronesse of Hollyhock House, Aline Barnsdall, and her nemesis Frank Lloyd Wright, who absolutely refuses to build her famous home the way SHE envisions it. Starring Elise Dewsberry as the rich dilettante and Scott Guy as the freak architect, in this touching two-hander tour de farce. Wednesday August 22, 2012; 8:30 PM. $10, at the NoHo Arts Center, located at 11136 Magnolia, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets are available through ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org

August 1, 2012

Manson’s Girls Musical Stirs Controversy

Tuesday night a UC Irvine workshop reading of the controversial new musical in development, MANSON’S GIRLS stirred up some controversy, and ABC’s nightly news reported on it. A result of an ongoing partnership between the Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) and UCIrvine Drama that develops and workshops new musicals to preserve musical theatre as an artistic platform, MANSON’S GIRLS attempts to explore the pathology leading up to the Manson killings of 1969 and offer a cautionary tale for the audience.

The musical is being presented in concert version on August 6 and 7 at the NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia Blvd., in North Hollywood.

The musical’s bookwriter, Scott Guy, has been asked why he chose this particular subject matter.

“Although the events of the Manson Family took place nearly fifty years ago, I find them incredibly relevant: so many of us, like Manson’s girls, just want a family, a place to be accepted, a home where you’re nurtured and taken care of. But I see more and more people today doing just what those girls did, namely, not thinking for themselves, but instead allowing others to their thinking for them. Pick your metaphor here: cults, sure, but religion, radical politics, or even a dominant family member or business colleague: it’s scary how many people give their minds over to someone else; and I’m hoping the lessons of ‘Manson’s Girls’ will help some of us reexamine our own thoughts and beliefs, and not just blindingly following someone.”

Professor Daniel Gary Busby, music director of the production, agrees. “Unfortunately, the kind of group seduction that took place with the Manson family is not a unique situation and exploring it hopefully invites us to look within ourselves and make sure we are not part of something like this, even on a different level.”

“All of us at ANMT, UCIrvine Drama, the writers, the director and the actors all have the greatest respect for the victims and their families and there is no intent to glorify Manson, the Family or these killings in any way,“ said director, Stephanie Coltrin. “We’re trying to be sympathetic, and explore what made these girls do what they did. We’re neither condoning nor vilifying them; we’re trying to understand them.”

UCIrvine Drama and ANMT are also sponsoring readings of TINSELTOWN CHRISTMAS (a musical fairytale about mismatched love and the intervention of “the ghosts of Christmas past” who just happen to be JUDY GARLAND, BING CROSBY, JIMMY STEWART, and NATALIE WOOD (from their Christmas movies) this coming November, on the UCI campus. Previous collaborations have included AGING OUT (a musical exploration of children who ‘age out’ of the foster care system and the problems that they face integrating into mainstream life, and e-$CAPE: a cybermusical; POWDER PUFF PILOTS, about the pioneering women pilots in the 1920’s.

The workshop reading of MANSON’S GIRLS will take place on Monday and Tuesday August 6 and 7, at the NoHo Arts Center. Please visit www.anmt.org/events.asp to make a reservation.

About Academy for New Musical Theatre

The Academy for New Musical Theatre produces, creates and studies new musicals. We’re an academy for musicals like the Academy for Motion Picture of Arts and Sciences is for movies: a community of professional writers, composers, producers and actors writing musicals for tomorrow’s audiences. ANMT is also an academy like higher-education universities, offering one of only three professional programs in the U.S. for writers, composers and actors studying how to write musicals. In the past five years, ANMT has developed over 100 musicals, many of which have gone on to productions, festivals, showcases and beyond. This year alone they are developing several dozen musicals, with plans for an equally busy season next year.

About the ANMT/UCIrvine Drama Alliance
Four years ago, Scott Guy (ANMT) and Professor Daniel Gary Busby (UCIrvine Drama) created a partnership dedicated to creating new musicals, as a way to connect talented student actors and professional writers and composers in a mutually beneficial laboratory for developing musicals. MANSON’S GIRLS is only one of a great number of projects being worked on. Both groups and the people they work with are dedicated to the preservation of this unique American art form by creating new work to help ensure its growth and survival.

About UC Irvine Drama Department
Drama at UCI is one of the four departments comprising the Claire Trevor School of the Arts, which provides students with extensive opportunities to work in collaboration with students and faculty in the School’s closely-related programs - Dance, Music and Studio Art. Within the school, therefore, cross-disciplinary creative opportunities - such as video art, multi-media performance, opera, dance theatre and performance art - continually flourish. Nor are interdisciplinary connections limited to within our School – Drama enjoys fruitful relations with a great many departments and programs across the campus, including English, History, Comparative Literature, Political Science, Computer Science, Asian American Studies, African American Studies, East Asian Languages and Literatures, Critical Theory, Spanish and Portuguese, German and Russian, and French and Italian. And Drama’s PhD studies are conducted as part of a comprehensive joint program – the first such in the nation - with our sister campus, UC San Diego.

ABC’s feature can be seen at http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/hollywood_wrap&id=8757241

If you would like to reach any of us for further comment, please contact:
Scott Guy 818.506.8500; academy@anmt.org
Dr. Daniel Gary Busby 310.890.2682; dgbusby@uci.edu
Stephanie Coltrin 310.346.9716 sacoltrin@yahoo.com
For reservations, visit www.anmt.org

July 27, 2012

Cabarabia – Cabaret’s Finest at NoHo Arts Center

Producer, CLIFFORD BELL, (www.Cabarabia.com ) brings an eclectic collection of the best of the best working in the Cabaret Scene - BRAD ELLIS, of ‘Glee’ and ‘The Glee Project’, recent Emmy nominee for his work on Jason Segel’s Muppets Song on ‘Saturday Night Live’, ELI BRUEGGEMANN, the newest Musical Director, Composer and Arranger on ‘SNL’ (www.elibmusic.com ), JOANNE TATHAM, direct from ‘Feinstein’s At Loews Regency’ in New York, with a preview of her new show ‘CINEMA NYC: Music From Movies Made In Manhattan’ ( www.joannetatham.com ), KID HOLLYWOOD, a hot new up and coming band generating a lot of buzz (www.kidhollywood.net ), and a special appearance by singer/songwriter SARAH WHITE (soundcloud.com/sarah_white ).

FOR TICKET INFO –

http://anmt.org/events_reservation_1.asp?EventID=189

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT –

CliffordBell@Cabarabia.com 323-769-6447

BRAD ELLIS, long regarded as one of the most respected and sought after composers, arrangers and musical directors in the Broadway community, is currently enjoying a newfound fame as the on-camera pianist on the hit television series Glee. Following a particularly eventful three day period, Mr. Ellis and the cast of Glee performed on Oprah, at The White House for the Obamas, and broke ratings records with ‘The Madonna Episode.’ In addition to his continuing role on Glee, Mr. Ellis can be seen coaching in the ‘Special Features’ of the DVD Release of Disney’s animated Beauty and the Beast. Long before Glee, Mr. Ellis was renowned for his clever and instantly recognizable arrangements for such shows as Forbidden Broadway, Forbidden Hollywood, Whoop-Dee-Doo, and the Christmas edition of Forever Plaid known as ‘Plaid Tidings.’ He has arranged and orchestrated for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Philadelphia Symphony and the CD Unexpected Dreams - Songs from The Stars, featuring members of the LA Phil to benefit Music Cares, which supports music programs in the LA schools. In concert, and on CD, Mr. Ellis has worked with Billy Joel, Angela Lansbury, Kristin Chenoweth, Scarlett Johansson, Patti LuPone, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Irons, to name but a few.

ELI BRUEGGEMAN, the newest Musical Director/Composer of ‘Saturday Night Live’, has just received his first Emmy nomination for writing, with Seth Meyers and John Mulaney on Jason Segel and the Muppets’ opening number ‘I Can’t Believe I’m Hosting SNL’. The formerly Los Angeles based Mr. Brueggemann, has long been a force in the diverse music scene for his stage and recording work with Matthew Morrison, Men At Work frontman Colin Hay, Latin-Funk legend, Mandrill, jazz trombonist George Bohannon, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, a tribute to his versatility and skill.

JOANNE TATHAM is a favorite of audiences from her native New York to her adopted home in Los Angeles. Following the release of her acclaimed debut CD ‘Making Light’, Ms. Tatham has appeared frequently in top LA clubs like Catalina’s, Vibrato, The Baked Potato and The Cinegrill; at the Annenberg Theater and as a regular guest with the Desert Cities Jazz Band in Palm Springs; and in New York she has appeared at The Town Hall, The Duplex, The Triad, and Feinstein’s at Loews Regency.
Equally at home in the worlds of Jazz and the Great American Songbook, Ms. Tatham has appeared in several of the prestigious Mabel Mercer Foundation Cabaret Conventions. Ms. Tatham is currently at work on a second album with legendary pianist/arranger/producer Clarence McDonald, whose work with the artists Bill Withers, Ray Charles, James Taylor, Hall & Oates and others has resulted in some of the most iconic recordings of our times.
The Washington Post has hailed her ‘exceptionally beautiful voice… reminiscent of the pop balladeers of the late ’50’s and early ’60’s, but with a fine-drawn intensity and shimmering vibrato that are all her own’; while Penthouse Magazine has urged: ‘If you get a chance to see Joanne Tatham perform live, get moving! She’s something you won’t want to miss.’

CLIFFORD BELL, known affectionately as ‘Lawrence of Cabarabia’, is one of the leading producer/directors in the fields of Cabaret, Concerts, and One Person Shows. As a thirty year veteran of the Los Angeles nightclub scene, Clifford has been most identified in the past with the legendary Cinegrill at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, and currently at the popular MBar in Hollywood, and the prestigious Catalina Jazz Club.
Aside from his work in Los Angeles and New York, Clifford has collaborated on concert tours with several acclaimed artists, most recently Katey Sagal and Peter Gallagher. Clifford also co-created the successful touring show ‘Direct From Broadway’ starring Tony Award Winners Debbie Gravitte (‘Jerome Robbins’ Broadway’) and Michael Maguire (‘Les Miserables’), with his frequent collaborator Lara Teeter (‘On Your Toes’).
In venues large and small, Clifford has written and directed variety performances featuring icons like Bill Cosby, Colin Powell, and Michael Eisner at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, or long running plays like ‘Shattered Secrets’, Libbe S. HaLevy’s powerful look at the lives of survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
In addition to producing, directing, and booking live performances, Clifford has also produced several popular cabaret CDs including Betsy Ann Faiella’s breakthrough ‘Can I Be Frank?’, Lee Lessack’s eponymous debut CD, and Eileen Barnett’s ‘Live At The Cinegrill’. Recently the Senior Vice President of Artists & Repertoire for the prestigious Broadway oriented label Fynsworth Alley, Clifford is most proud of discovering young Judy Butterfield, the seventeen year old San Francisco sensation and producing her debut CD ‘Judy Sings Judy: Live From The Empire Plush Room’ and her first studio recorded CD ‘How Long Has This Been Going On?’
Aside from the nightclub scene, Clifford has directed several one person shows in theatrical settings. Beth Lapides, (of ‘UnCabaret’ fame) looked ahead to the end of the Mayan Calendar in ‘100% Happy 88% Of The Time’. Joan Hotchkis celebrated aging and sexuality in the long running ‘Elements of Flesh: Or Screwing Saved My Ass’. Deborah Pearl brought to life an array of interconnected female vocalists in the smash hit ‘Chick Singers’. Comedian, phone psychic and ‘976-STUD’, Paul Jacek shared intimate memories in the critically acclaimed ‘Secrets Of A Beverly Hills Shampoo Boy’. Juliette Marshall’s hilarious and touching ‘Shift Happens:A (Piece Of) Work In Progress’, has just completed a series of performances throughout Southern California at The Odyssey Ensemble Theatre, Edgemar Center Of The Arts, Highways Performance Space, and The Santa Monica Playhouse.
Always seeking new ways to discover, develop and present new talent, Clifford has created the popular showcases ‘The Cabarabia Spotlight’, ‘In With The New: An Evening Of Up And Coming Singer/Songwriters’, ‘Mundy On Tuesdays’, the venerable open mic at Tom Rolla’s Gardenia, ‘The Alley Sessions’, a series of private performances being filmed for documentary release, and, as of February 2012, Open Mic Mondays at The MBar in Hollywood.
Clifford recently began a new program called ‘AP Cabarabia’ which is a performance workshop designed for teens.

July 5, 2012

Summer Concerts at NoHo Arts Center

An exciting Concert Series of musical theatre performers, singers, improvisational troupes, and cabaret artists are coming to the NoHo Arts Center this July and August, produced by the Academy for New Musical Theatre. Concerts include:

Impro Theatre’s Sondheim UnScripted. Making up Sondheim, bit by bit, right before your very ears. Impro Theatre’s Sondheim UnScripted is a completely improvised musical in the style of Stephen Sondheim. The cast and musicians work together as an ensemble to improvise songs with the intricate rhymes, soaring counter melodies and complex themes that are all hallmarks of Sondheim’s work, creating a wholly original musical with every performance. Saturday, July 21, 2012; 8:00 PM. $20.

Manson’s Girls. Manson’s Girls traces the storylines of a half-dozen of the young women who were involved with the Sharon Tate and LaBianca murders in August, 1969. During the course of the musical, Linda Kasabian joins the Manson Family and transforms from a wide-eyed young runaway from New Hampshire to one of Manson’s Girls, capable of committing murder 35 days later. This musical was developed at UCIrvine Department of Drama, featured in the 2012 Festival of New Musicals, and will be presented in concert featuring UCIrvine drama students. Four nights only. Monday July 30, Tuesday 31, August 6 and August 7, 2012; 8:00 PM. $10.

Ain’t We Got Fun! (Hensley & Montiel). In the great tradition of comic duos like Laurel & Hardy, Burns & Allen or Lucy & Ricky, Hensley & Montiel bring their own modern sensibility to classic comic songs and sketches of the Vaudeville stage. Ain’t We Got Fun! is a musical variety show that appeals to theatre-goers ages 1 to 101. It features great turn-of-the-century comic songs like Ma, He’s Makin’ Eyes At Me, Oh You Beautiful Doll, and of course the Title Song as well as famous comic bits like “Slowly I Turn.” Wednesday, August 1, 2012; 8:30 PM. $10.

Cabarabia. Producer/Director/Cabaret Impressario clifford bell (www.Cabarabia.com ) brings an eclectic collection of the best of the best working in the Cabaret Scene - BRAD ELLIS, of “Glee” and “The Glee Project”, ELI BRUEGGEMANN, the newest Musical Director, Composer and Arranger on “Saturday Night Live”, JOANNE TATHAM, direct from “Feinstein’s At Loews Regency” in New York, with a preview of her new show “CINEMA NYC: Music From Movies Made In Manhattan”, and a special appearance by KID HOLLYWOOD, a hot new up and coming band generating a lot of buzz. Sunday, August 5, 2012; 8:00 PM. $25.

Mary Marie. 1920. Two Girls; Mary and Marie. Marie is surprisingly philosophical about her parents’ divorce. And so is Mary. Marie is thrilled to move with her mother to Boston, where she is sure to witness all the romance and excitement that must naturally come with divorce. Mary will stay with her father. Marie will be free to dance around the house, sing as loud as she likes and behave however she feels. Mary will read, sew, and mind her manners. There’s just one thing - Mary and Marie are the same girl, and she is in for a few surprises. Mary Marie – the one-part funny, one-part touching story of a mother, a father, and a girl…or two. August 8 & 9, 2012; 8:30PM. $10.

Paul+Chris: Together Again (for the first time). Paul+Chris: Together Again (for the first time) is an evening of musical theatre songs exploring the surprises of friendship, longing, and love. This vocal duo, Paul Marchegiani and Christopher Maikish, have been partners in life and music for over a decade, and for one special night, they share the stage in song. Tuesday, August 14, 2012; 8:00PM. $15.

Der FrankLloydWrightenlieder. A musical feud for rich dilletante and freak architect. Based on actual letters between the grande patronesse of Hollyhock House, Aline Barnsdall, and her nemesis Frank Lloyd Wright, who absolutely refuses to build her famous home the way SHE envisions it. Starring Elise Dewsberry as the rich dilettante and Scott Guy as the freak architect, in this touching two-hander tour de farce. A fundraiser for the Academy for New Musical Theatre. Wednesday August 15, 2012; 8:30 PM. $10.

Madwomen. Songwriter Hannah Johnson is astonished to find herself in a psychiatric hospital with the residents who claim to be the very “madwomen” she learned about in her women”s studies class: Vivien Leigh, Zelda Fitzgerald, Mary Todd Lincoln, Camille Claudel, and Queen Juana “La Loca” of Castile. The ladies are determined to break out of the hospital where the enigmatic Doctor Ward has confined them, but are they ready to face the men and the messes they left behind? Tuesday, August 28, 2012; 8:00PM.

Milburn & Vigoda. Milburn & Vigoda are a theatrical songwriting team who perform their own stuff–they spent 15 years on the road with their band GrooveLily, and now divide their time between writing musicals (Disney’s Toy Story: The Musical, Striking 12, Sleeping Beauty Wakes) and songs for movies (Tinker Bell & the many sequels, Planes 2) and teen pop stars (Zendaya). Most of the concert will be the duo with special guests, performing their favorite songs (including some good ones that got cut from shows and films); and a little bit will be Valerie’s mind-blowing solo looping vocals and violin. Monday, August 27, 2012. 8:00PM. $20.

These concerts on “dark nights” in between performances of the Mainstage Production, A Ring in Brooklyn:

A Ring in Brooklyn. A frickin’ musical. High-school alums and their memories reunite and collide, and Gina and her best friend, Jenn, become Lucy and Ethel as they make several wacky attempts to re-steal a promise ring from the hateful and slutty Tracy. Through the night we are taken back to the senior ‘Marvelous Night for a Moon’ dance in 1979 where dat frickin’ ring first surfaced, and we meet the sweetheart himself, Tommy, whose coolness, poetic notions, and ring not only touch Gina, but it seems every one of his hapless, hopelessly Brooklyn classmates, who are in desperate need of some bright, romantic moonlight. Full production; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00PM and Sunday matinees at 2:00PM. $30.

The NoHo Arts Center is located at 11136 Magnolia, North Hollywood, CA 91601. Tickets for all these events are available through ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org.

July 3, 2012

Manson’s Girls MUSICAL comes to Los Angeles

A new rock musical, ‘Manson’s Girls,’ based on the true story of Charles Manson killings in the late 1960’s, will be presented the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood, CA for four nights only, on July 30-31 and August 6-7.

‘Manson’s Girls’ traces the storylines of a half-dozen of the young women who were involved with the Sharon Tate and LaBianca murders in August, 1969. During the course of the musical, Linda Kasabian joins the Manson Family and transforms from a wide-eyed young runaway from New Hampshire to one of Manson’s Girls, capable of committing murder 35 days later.

‘It’s not a gruesome musical,’ says bookwriter Scott Guy, ‘We don’t dwell on the actual killings. It’s much more an exploration of what happens when you give your mind over to someone else, whether that person is a cult leader, or religious or political of cultural figure. The Manson Family gave these girls comfort, friendship, stability and even love….It’s really only when they stopped thinking for themselves that the slope became too slippery for them to turn back.’

‘Manson’s Girls’ was developed by the Academy for New Musical Theatre in partnership with the Department of Drama at University of California Irvine, where it was featured at the 2012 Festival of New Musicals.

The musical will be presented in staged concert reading format for four evenings, featuring a mainly-UCIrvine cast. Manson will be played by professional actor Christopher Maikish.

‘Just the idea of playing Manson is already a bit creepy,’ says Maikish. ‘And what can be seriously unsettling (and fascinating) in this version is not the expected portrait of an eventual cult monster, but rather a charismatic and often kind father figure. His worldview is of course flawed and deeply troubling, but I’m really enjoying the exploration of Manson pre-Helter Skelter, the magnetic singer-philosopher who attracts a tribe of lost girls.’

The music has been one of the driving forces in the workshopping of this musical. Composer Todd Irving says that ‘the theatricality of the music comes first and foremost in this piece; secondly is a sense of the 60’s music…but it’s not an imitation of 60’s music; it evokes it without quoting it.’

The concert will feature a small rock combo, and a cast of ten, music directed by UCIrvine’s Dr. Gary Busby, directed by Little Fish Theatre’s Stephanie Coltrin.

‘We’re exploring the inner lives of these girls,’ explains Coltrin, ‘trying to make sure they’re real and honest, so the audience has a fighting chance of understanding them and maybe even possibly feeling for them. Ultimately, the show is about the pecking order of the girls, with a constant grasping for Charles Manson’s attention and affection. I think the writers have done a phenomenal job at getting inside the heads of these girls, rather than just make them drug-crazed cult followers. You almost get the sense that the same thing might have happened to YOU, if you’d been there on the Manson Family Ranch that scary July in 1969.’

The evening’s hosting producer, the Academy of New Musical Theatre (ANMT) is a 501(c)3 “not-for-profit” global community of writers, composers, producers and actors who work together to create new musicals. In addition to staging entertaining and engaging musicals for public performance, ANMT also offers various workshops and classes to assist in all aspects with the creation and cultivation of new musical theatre works for the stage.

The performance are Monday and Tuesday, July 30 and 31, August 6 and 8, at 8:30 PM. Ticket prices are $10. At The NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia, North Hollywood, CA 91601. For Tickets, please visit www.anmt.org

July 2, 2012

‘Ain’t We Got Fun’ Comes to North Hollywood

Vaudevillian performers Ben Hensley with Michael Montiel will bring their vintage Vaudeville revivalist musical comedy ‘Ain’t We Got Fun!’ to the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood, CA for one night only, on Wednesday August 1st at 8:30pm.

‘Ain’t We Got Fun!’ is a musical variety show that features great turn-of-the-century comic songs like MA, HE’S MAKIN’ EYES AT ME, OH YOU BEAUTIFUL DOLL, as well as famous comic bits like “SLOWLY I TURN.” It is being presented as part of The Academy for New Musical Theatre’s summer concert series at NoHo Arts Center.

The Academy’s Artistic Director, Elise Dewsberry, says of the duo, “Hensley & Montiel’s ‘Ain’t We Got Fun!’ transports audiences to a simpler time when a rubber chicken was really REALLY funny. It’s a delight to hear these classic chestnuts, especially performed with such vigor and joy by the young enthusiasts Hensley and Montiel. Vaudeville lives!”

Ben Hensley is a singer and actor who has been seen on regional stages including Downey CLO, Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, Actors Co-Op, Celebration Theatre, Sacred Fools and The Norris Theatre. His film and television appearances include Passions (NBC), Un-Broke (ABC), On Bloody Sunday (Warner Brothers) and has been the face of several successful commercial campaigns for various companies including Reynolds Wrap.

Michael Montiel began playing on the professional stage at an early age and has been seen at theaters throughout southern California including Downey CLO, Glendale Center Theatre, and Over The Moon Productions in downtown Los Angeles. His film and television credits include Community (ABC), Glee (FOX) and Zeke and Luther (DisneyXD).

Hensley and Montiel have been performing ‘Ain’t We Got Fun!’ for a number of years, and have found that the act plays to audiences young and old. “You don’t need to know these old songs to appreciate ’em,” says Hensley, “we see the kids in the audience having just as great a time as their grandparents. It’s really wonderful seeing how well vaudeville still plays today, some 100 years later.”

The evening’s hosting producer, the Academy of New Musical Theatre (ANMT) is a 501(c)3 “not-for-profit” global community of writers, composers, producers and actors who work together to create new musicals. In addition to staging entertaining and engaging musicals for public performance, ANMT also offers various workshops and classes to assist in all aspects with the creation and cultivation of new musical theatre works for the stage.

The Performance is on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2012 at 8:30 PM. Ticket prices are $10. at The NoHo Arts Center, 11136 Magnolia, North Hollywood, CA 91601. For Tickets, please visit www.ANMT.org .

‘Ain’t We Got Fun!’ is appropriate for ALL AGES, runs one hour in length and is performed without an intermission.

For more information or for press comps, interviews or photos, please contact BEN HENSLEY at mediamind310@gmail.com.

June 22, 2012

Panelists Announced for Musical Theatre Writers Conference

The Fourth Bi-Annual conference for musical theatre writers and composers is coming to Los Angeles, July 20-22 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood, CA.

Hosted by the Academy for New Musical Theatre, this packed weekend conference on musical theatre writing includes sessions led by musical theatre professionals, who will share valuable information and advice on a variety of issues related to producing and writing musicals. Panels, Q&A sessions, and keynote topics will include: approaching producers and theatres (the right AND wrong ways), navigating the wide array of legal issues associated with creating a musical, protecting the rights of composers and lyricists, raising money, self-producing and much more.

Participants will have the chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from professional theatre writers about how to write a musical, and meet other emerging artists in the musical theatre world. As an added bonus, participants will also have the chance to pitch their musicals to established producers.

An ADDITIONAL bonus for everyone who’s registered for the conference (at LEAST for the Sunday session), we’ve compiled a long list of producers of new musicals who’ve agreed to receive an email pitch from conference participants who are writing musicals: writers send ANMT two paragraphs — one about themselves and one about their musical — and the Academy will send it directly to the producers. The regional theatres and commercial producers who have already agreed to be part of the list (so far!) includes:

“The writers conference is one of the highlights of all our programs,” says ANMT’s Executive Director, Scott Guy, “We’re always so gratified to see so many writers and composers networking with each other as well as with producers, agents, artistic directors and other industry folk. Our panelists always tell us what a terrific opportunity it is for THEM, to network with their fellow panelists. Several new musicals have come directly out of the conference; one was born in the middle of a panel discussion and has gone on to production.”

“It’s a great weekend,” says Elise Dewsberry, ANMT’s Artistic Director, “where everyone comes together to talk about how to write musicals and the future of the American musical. A lot of great information, great laughs, and great food.”

“Little did we know back in 2006 when we produced our first conference,” says Gordon Firemark, producer and president of ANMT’s Board, “how successful they would turn out to be. This will be our fourth conference in six years, our biggest one yet; and it’s become a destination event for serious musical theatre writers. A great opportunity for networking and learning how to write a musical.”

Tickets for the entire conference are $495 – single-day rates are also available. To register or for more information, go to www.anmt.org or call (818) 506-8500. The conference will take place at the NoHo Arts Center (in the heart of the NoHo Arts District) at 11136 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601.

June 14, 2012

World Premiere musical in Los Angeles: A Ring in Brooklyn

The Academy for New Musical Theatre is producing a world premiere musical, A Ring in Brooklyn, at the NoHo Arts Center for a six week run beginning July 28 through September 2nd.

This show was developed for the Victory Theatre in Burbank, and was subsequently selected to be part of Stages Musical Theatre Festival in 2011, and now makes its debut in full production this summer. A Ring in Brooklyn tells the story of high-school alums Gina and Jenn, as they make ever bolder and braver attempts to re-steal a promise ring from the hateful and slutty Tracy. Through the night we are taken back to a senior dance in 1979 where dat frickin’ ring first surfaced, and we meet the sweetheart himself, Tommy, whose coolness, poetic notions, and ring not only touch Gina, but it seems every one of his hapless, hopelessly Brooklyn classmates, who are in desperate need of some bright, romantic moonlight.

“It’s touching and funny,” says ANMT’s Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “and speaks powerfully about our desperate desire to love and be loved. A Ring in Brooklyn makes me roar with improper catty laughter, but then catches me unexpectedly by the throat and then gives me a sucker punch of sentimentality and truth. It’s amazing writing, and you end up loving each and every one of these sad, wonderful, funny people.”

“When I first saw A Ring in Brooklyn in a concert reading last year, I fell in love with it,” beams the show’s producer Kevin Meoak, “It’s hysterically funny, and universal, but also extremely relevant with its message of hard-knock looks at self-delusion. So I approached ANMT with the idea of producing it, and here we are a year later now able to share it with a Los Angeles audience. I think they’re going to eat it up; it’s really a great musical.”

A Ring in Brooklyn began in 2009 as a brief 15-minute musical, focused just on the events of the high school reunion itself, with a cast of five. When the Victory Theatre’s Cate Caplin approached the writers with the idea of expanding it to full-length, at first the writers balked. “It was initially just about a woman who is so blinded by false memory that she can’t see that the love of her life is right before her eyes, which didn’t seem like it was enough storyline to sustain a whole musical. But the more I began to explore these five characters, the more I thought that what happened to them ten years ago was affecting ALL of them still, a decade later. And suddenly I had enough material for a three or four hour musical. These characters move me deeply; they’re all of them based in some fashion on real people. I can’t tell you their real names; they’d kill me if they knew I was writing about them!”

The production’s music director, Ross Källing, is assisting Fleishman to score the musical for three-piece band. “We talked about a four or even five or six piece band,” says Källing, “but Alan’s vocal arrangements are so rich and thick that we made a conscience choice that three pieces can actually accomplish exactly what we need. We’ve also been working carefully and deliberately to make sure each and every role in the show is defined by range, timbre, and even rhythm, so there’s a lot of musical contrast and drama inherent in the score itself, even before the actors start to bring it to life. I have a very special place in my heart for this show; I can’t wait for opening night!”

The Academy for New Musical Theatre has a national reputation for developing new musicals through its fabled workshop process, honed over four decades and some 500 musicals. But it’s rare that the Academy acts as a producer. They produced the award-winning 40 is the New 15 in 2010, but pick and choose the shows they produce carefully. “I look first of all for high level of craft in a musical,” says Artistic Director Dewsberry, “but the show also must have some deep level of truth to it, whether it’s a farce or a tragedy. Social relevance is a plus, but at the end of the day, it needs to move an audience to laughter, thought, emotion, or action. I’m confident that A Ring in Brooklyn does ALL of that.”

Musical Theatre Writers Conference returns to Los Angeles

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) presents “Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz Conference,” their 4th bi-annual conference for musical theatre writers and composers, from July 20 to 22 at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood, CA.
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The packed weekend conference on musical theatre writing includes sessions led by musical theatre professionals, who will share valuable information and advice on a variety of issues related to producing and writing musicals. Panels, Q&A sessions, and keynote topics will include: approaching producers and theatres (the right AND wrong ways), navigating the wide array of legal issues associated with creating a musical, protecting the rights of composers and lyricists, raising money, self-producing and much more.

Participants will have the chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories from professional theatre writers about how to write a musical, and meet other emerging artists in the musical theatre world. As an added bonus, participants will also have the chance to pitch their musicals to established producers.

“The writers conference is one of the highlights of all our programs,” says ANMT’s Executive Director, Scott Guy, “We’re always so gratified to see so many writers and composers networking with each other as well as with producers, agents, artistic directors and other industry folk. Our panelists always tell us what a terrific opportunity it is for THEM, to network with their fellow panelists. Several new musicals have come directly out of the conference; one was born in the middle of a panel discussion and has gone on to production.”

“It’s a great weekend,” says Elise Dewsberry, ANMT’s Artistic Director, “where everyone comes together to talk about how to write musicals and the future of the American musical. A lot of great information, great laughs, and great food.”

“Little did we know back in 2006 when we produced our first conference,” says Gordon Firemark, producer and president of ANMT’s Board, “how successful they would turn out to be. This will be our fourth conference in six years, our biggest one yet; and it’s become a destination event for serious musical theatre writers. A great opportunity for networking and learning how to write a musical.”

Tickets for the entire conference are $495 – but those who register before June 15 will save $100 and pay only $395. Day rates are also available. To register or for more information, go to www.anmt.org or call (818) 506-8500. The conference will take place at the NoHo Arts Center (in the heart of the NoHo Arts District) at 11136 Magnolia Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601.

May 9, 2012

The hotbed of new musicals: North Hollywood?

The Academy for New Musical Theatre produces, creates and studies new musicals. We’re an academy for musicals like the Academy for Motion Picture of Arts and Sciences is for movies: a community of professional writers, composers, producers and actors writing musicals for tomorrow’s audiences. We’re also an academy like higher-education universities, offering one of only three professional programs in the U.S. for writers, composers and actors studying how to write musicals. If you’ve written a new musical, or you want to develop one, or be in one, or see one…you’ve come to the right place.

In the past five years we’ve developed over 100 musicals, many of which have gone on to productions, festivals, showcases and beyond. This year alone we’re developing several dozen musicals, with plans for an equally busy season next year.

For producers, we offer a complete process for developing a musical, whether it’s already begun, or it’s still only an idea. Depending on what your musical needs, we can nurture it with actors, directors, music directors, dramaturgs, rehearsal rooms, and concert readings.

We’ve worked with such producers as The Colony Theatre, Broadway Rose Theatre, Copake Theatre, Celebration Theatre, Deaf West, Red Mountain Theatre, American Folklore Theatre, Civic Light Opera South Bay Cities, McCoy Rigby Entertainment, East West Players, Carousel Theatre, the Lyric Theatre, the Victory Theatre, University of California Irvine’s prestigious Department of Drama, and we’re members of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, a national network of producers and theatre companies writing musicals.

For writers, we offer two distinctly different kinds of involvement. We create many musical theater writing partnerships with producers, often from scratch. We also offer the prestigious Writers’ Workshop, in which writers study how to write musicals, creating full-length shows, collaborating with other writers, or participating in many different levels of our fabled curriculum which has proven successful for four decades. Many portions of the Writers’ Workshop can be experienced online.

For actors, we offer a full range of experiences, from a professional repertory ensemble which meets weekly to workshop new works for producers, to courses, seminars, formal and informal readings, and performers’ workshops for teens and professionals.

For audience members, we offer concert readings, festivals, conferences, salons with musical theatre luminaries, an annual 15 minute musical celebration, and a brave new world of online musicals written directly for the internet.

The writers’ workshop has been around for over 40 years, but with the phenomenon of new musicals in film and television, the Academy’s core curriculum is becoming a popular place for professional writers wanting to study how to write a musical and practice the craft of writing musical theatre.

“New musicals are hot properties again, and more and more writers are writing them,” says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Artistic Director. “We’re seeing a big increase in applications from professional Emmy and Grammy award-winning writers and composers turning to musical theater writing as an exciting way to create new works for new audiences. The Academy is bustling with established writers, as well as writers making their professional debut — it’s an exciting place to be!”

If you’re interested in writing musicals, you may apply online to the Academy for New Musical Theatre at www.anmt.org. Applicants will be asked to supply a sample of their musical theater writing and a $60 deposit. Composers submit three samples of songs with piano/vocal scores; lyricists submit three samples of lyrics; and bookwriters submit two 10-page samples, preferably from plays.

The Core Curriculum meets one weekend per month from September to June, culminating in intense 15 minute musical projects which the Academy presents in a professional theatre. Applications can be made online at www.anmt.org.

May 9, 2012

How to Write a Musical – Online or Live in Los Angeles

Composers and writers interested in writing musicals are lining up to enroll in the Core Curriculum at the Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood. The writers’ workshop has been around for over 40 years, but with the phenomenon of new musicals in film and television, the Academy’s Core Curriculum is becoming a popular place for professional writers wanting to study how to write a musical and practice the craft of writing musical theatre.

‘New musicals are hot properties again, and more and more writers are writing them,’ says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Artistic Director. ‘We’re seeing a big increase in applications from professional Emmy and Grammy award-winning writers and composers turning to musical theater writing as an exciting way to create new works for new audiences. The Academy is bustling with established writers, as well as writers making their professional debut — it’s an exciting place to be!’

The heart of the writers’ workshop is the Core Curriculum, in which composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text.

The curriculum studies contemporary musicals as well as some classic models, and gives writers and composers the opportunity to create both new and traditional musicals, which feature timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes.

‘The musical’s changed in the past two decades, and we’re changing with it,’ says John Sparks, who has run the writers’ workshop for the past 26 years, having taken over the reins from its original founder, Lehman Engel. ‘Time was that musical theater writing was most often about optimism, and there were bouncy, charming songs everywhere you looked. But today, that optimism is old-fashioned.’

Sparks observes that although there are plenty of musicals being fashioned on the classic, traditional models, there’s a growing trend toward musicals which reflect a less optimistic view of the world. ‘I’m not exactly sure what to call it — these shows are about people NOT getting what they want, which is different from the way it used to be. These shows are about loss, or disappointment, or lost opportunities. We need to acknowledge that impulse, and adjust the way we approach how to write a musical.’

Sparks has chosen texts from contemporary Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award Winners on which to base the assignments in the curriculum. Texts include November by David Mamet, Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire, Proof by David Auburn, Doubt: a Parable by John Patrick Shanley, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee, The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane and Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz.

‘We’re very excited about re-invigorating not only the Core Curriculum, but all of musical theatre writing,’ says Dewsberry. ‘Our hope is to help guide our writers to audiences in the future, not only on the stage, but on film, television and the internet. There’s a future for writing musicals on the internet, and we intend to be a big part of it.’

Writers can apply online to join the Core Curriculum. Applications require a few writing samples and a $60 deposit. Composers submit three samples of songs with piano/vocal scores; lyricists submit three samples of lyrics; and bookwriters submit two 10-page samples, preferably from plays.

The Core Curriculum meets one weekend per month from September to June, culminating in intense 15 minute musical projects which the Academy presents in a professional theatre. Applications can be made online at www.anmt.org

# # #

January 25, 2012

ANMT CONTINUES 2011/12 CONCERT READING SERIES WITH A GEM

Emerald, a new musical, and winner of ANMT’s 2011 Search for New Musicals, will receive a one night only concert reading February 6 at 7:30 pm as part of The Academy for New Musical Theatre’s reading series at The Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood.

Written by the British writing team of Chris Burgess (book and lyrics) and Denise Wright (music), Emerald tells the story of Grace Maguire who abandons her life in Manhattan and moves to the secluded seaside town of Ennismuck, West Ireland. However, as soon as she arrives she clashes with a mining corporation buying up the local properties in order to extract the newly found gold. Grace campaigns to save Ennismuck, and starts a prickly relationship with truculent local artist, Mulcahy. But, beyond these perilous ventures Grace manages to topple the mining company’s monopoly, and eventually, thaw Mulcahy’s frozen heart. Calvin Remsberg directs and Ross Kalling is musical director.

“The musical theatre is full of stories that take place in exotic locales, often fictional but with some basis in reality. Brigadoon never existed but Scotland is real, and Missitucky isn’t really a state, but Finian’s Rainbow takes place there.” says director Remsberg. “In Emerald, we have a fictional Irish village, Ennismuck, but in modern day Ireland. It’s populated with lively Irish characters that create the stories’ charm. It’s always fun to work on something new, and it will be even more fun to see it up on its feet!

The Lonny Chapman Theatre is located at 10900 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood, CA. $10 tickets can be reserved through the ANMT website at www.anmt.org.

November 21, 2011

ANMT’s SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS JOINS FORCES WITH STAGES FESTIVAL

The Academy for New Musical Theatre announces a new partnership between their annual SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS and the STAGES FESTIVAL of Los Angeles.

For the past four years, ANMT has conducted the SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS and has awarded concert readings and/or workshops to fourteen promising new musicals including The Water by Georgia Stitt, Jeff Hylton, and Tim Werenko; Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Jr., Chris Budinich, Diana Belkowski, Dan Tramon, and Carl Anthony Tramon; Girl Detective by Alan Gordon and Mark Sutton-Smith; Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo; The Next Fairy Tale by Brian Pugach; and Life After Life by Tracey Langran Corea and Thaddeus Corea.
First Prize for the Search has always been a workshop with ANMT’s Academy Repertory Company, followed by a concert reading as part of ANMT’s annual series.
Last summer, ANMT moved the famed STAGES Festival from Chicago (where it was created 15 years ago by ANMT’s founding Artistic Director John Sparks) to Los Angeles after the previous host - Theatre Building Chicago - closed its doors.
Beginning this season, ANMT plans to connect the Search with the Stages Festival by offering Search winners a presentation slot in the festival. The annual submission deadline of December 15 will be moved to July 1, and the first prize winner will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, and a presentation slot in the 2013 Stages Festival in March of 2013.
“We’re very excited about being about to up the stakes for the winner of our annual Search,” says ANMT Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “The new July deadline will allow us to announce the Search winners in November, and then workshop the first prize winner with our company in December, and follow that up with a presentation as part of our next Stages Festival.”
Dates for the next Stages Festival have not yet been finalized, but the event is tentatively planned for March of 2013.
“We’re working out the details for the new submission process for the 2013 Stages Festival”, says ANMT Executive Director Scott Guy, “but we will definitely be including the winner of the Search as one of the eight new musicals that will be featured in the festival.”
All submissions to the annual Search for New Musicals receive either a 20-30 minute audio overview evaluation or a 2-3 hour video detailed analysis conducted by dramaturge Elise Dewsberry.
“”The Search evaluation provided not only insights, but also inspirations,” said Charles Veley, writer of 2010 Search winner Gilbert and Sullivan on Wall Street, “ANMT transformed the rewrite process into something exciting and fun!”.
British writer Michael Dresser stated “The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!”
For more information about the annual Search for New Musicals, and to submit for the July 1, 2012 deadline, visit www.anmt.org.

November 20, 2011

ANMT LAUNCHES 2011/12 CONCERT READING SERIES

ANMT’s 2011-12 Concert Series kicks off on December 12 this year, with The Angel of Painted Post, book by Adrian Bewley, music by Matthew Levine and lyrics by Richard Castle.

The Angel of Painted Post tells the story of a resourceful mother in 1945 rural Massachusetts who begins charging admission fees for folks to see the visions which appear in her comatose daughter’s bedroom window. This new musical began in ANMT’s Full-Length Curriculum last year, and was so promising we gave it a slot in Stages Musical Theatre Festival, after which the writers wrote a new draft which we are now featuring in the concert series.

The Concert Series will continue on February 6, 2012 with Emerald, written by Chris Burgess and Denise Wright from London, England. Emerald won ANMT’s 4th Annual Search for New Musicals, and received a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company in April 2011. The Concert Series will feature a new draft, based on the work which the writers have done since the April workshop.

The concert reading of The Angel of Painted Post will take place on Monday, December 12 at 7:30pm at the Lonny Chapman Theatre on Burbank Blvd., and will feature members of the Academy Repertory Company including Noel Britton, Elise Dewsberry, Evelyn Halus, Christopher Maikish, Sari Rose Poll, Andrea Press, Tedd Szeto, Peter Welkin, and Ross Kalling at the piano. Tickets are $10.

August 24, 2011

An Evening with Rod McKuen and Friends

Rod McKuen will make a rare Los Angeles appearance in An Evening with Rod McKuen and Friends on Monday, October 17, 2011, at the Pico Playhouse, 10508 Pico Blvd. in West Los Angeles. Mr. McKuen will be joined by highly-acclaimed soprano Karen Benjamin, ASCAP Award Honoree Alan Chapman, and Tony Award Nominee Brian Lane Green.

The show will be under the direction of well-known musical theatre director, David Galligan and produced by Lynn E. Miller. The Master of Ceremonies will be KUSC-FM (91.5) radio commentator, composer and lecturer, Alan Chapman who will engage McKuen in conversation about his long illustrious career.

Rod McKuen has been hailed by The Times of London as “Quite simply one of the most riveting performers of his generation”, and Paris Match added, “This talented and electrifying chansonier has set a high standard for every international entertainer.” The singer-songwriter’s unique style and stage presence has filled concert halls, theatres and intimate nightclubs on nearly every continent.

Director David Galligan notes that “The statistics involving McKuen’s career and work are staggering. He has recorded over two hundred albums and is the recipient of 63 gold and platinum records worldwide.” His three-dozen books of poetry have been published in eleven languages and have sold 65 million copies, making him the most widely read poet of his time. The songs he has written and composed have accounted for the sale of over 100 million records for such diverse artists as Madonna, Perry Como, Petula Clark, Waylon Jennings, The Boston Pops, Chet Baker, Pete Fountain, Andy Williams, The Kingston Trio, Percy Faith, The London Philharmonic, Dusty Springfield, Johnny Mathis, Al Hirt and Frank Sinatra.

“It is such a thrill for me to be working with Rod McKuen, an American icon,” says Miller, “and particularly in such a warm, intimate 99-seat venue as the Pico Playhouse. I think his fans are going to love being so close to him.”

The evening is a fundraiser for the Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT), a Los Angeles not-for-profit organization which creates and develops new musicals.

“I’m particularly looking forward to hearing Alan Chapman delve into the details of Mr. McKuen’s career,” says ANMT Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “Alan is well-known for his wealth of knowledge as a radio commentator on KUSC, but I also happen to know that he is an extremely witty master of ceremonies. I know he’s going to add some extra depth to this tribute to Mr. McKuen and his wonderful music.”

Alan Chapman will also be presenting some of his own music, along with his cabaret sparring partner, Karen Benjamin. This popular husband and wife team has appeared widely in cabaret evenings of Alan’s original songs and in programs combining Alan’s songs with the best of the classic song repertoire. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Town Hall, the Los Angeles Music Center, Dallas Museum of Art and many other venues nationwide. They are currently enjoying rave reviews for their perpetually sold-out series, Songwriters and Their Songs. Don Heckman of the LA Times writes, “Few performers understand the full extent of the Great American Songbook as well as the husband-wife team of singer Karen Benjamin and pianist Alan Chapman.”

A third headliner, Brian Lane Green, will top the evening. Mr. Green is a versatile performer with a broad list of credits in theater, television and film. A Tony Award nominee for “Best Actor in a Musical” for his performance as Spacepunk in Starmites, Green made his Broadway debut as Huck Finn in Big River. He went on to star in the first national tour of that show and also in the national tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’sJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. On television, daytime audiences know him as Alan Brand on Days of Our Lives (1987-89), Sam Fowler on Another World (1991-93), and Brian Bodine on All My Children (1993-94).

For additional information, and to reserve tickets, visit www.anmt.org or call (818) 506-8500.

June 13, 2011

Complete Schedule – Stages Musical Theatre Festival

After 15 years in Chicago, Stages Musical Theatre Festival has moved to Los Angeles. This prestigious festival of new musicals will be produced the weekend of July 15-17 by the Academy for New Musical Theatre at the Lonny Chapman Theatre (10900 Burbank Blvd in North Hollywood) and the Academy, 5628 Vineland in North Hollywood, featuring eight new musicals, in concert.

An annual Chicago tradition, Stages had been presented at Theatre Building Chicago, helmed by Artistic Director John Sparks. But last year, Theatre Building Chicago closed its doors and sold its building. So the Academy for New Musical Theatre stepped in to keep Stages’ tradition alive.

Sparks has been Artistic Director at the Academy since 1981, so the fit between the organizations is a natural one. “I’ve actually been thinking for years to launch a festival in Los Angeles, and this seemed like the right way to do it. Stages’ mission of presenting full readings of new musicals in concert is a perfect fit for ANMT’s vision.”

“It’s very exciting,” says the Academy’s Executive Director Scott Guy, “bringing together dozens of writers and over fifty actors to present eight brand-new shows. This is one of the most ambitious things we’ve ever produced at ANMT. We produced a four-show Festival with Theatre League back in 2006, and we’ve been producing a three-show concert reading series at the Colony Theatre — but this is eight shows, any given two of which are happening simultaneously!”

The schedule is designed so that a Festival Pass holder can see four shows on one day at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, and the other four shows at the Academy on the other. Or, if you have only one day, you can pick and choose among all eight shows, shuttling between the theatre and the Academy, which are five doors away from each other.

Here is the schedule for the weekend:

AT THE LONNY CHAPMAN THEATRE - 10900 Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood

Friday, July 15

8:00pm WINDJAMMERS

Saturday, July 16

10:00am IN THE MIND OF OLYMPIANS

1:00pm WINDJAMMERS

4:00pm NOW AND THEN A HERO

8:00pm POWDER PUFF PILOTS

Sunday, July 17

1:00pm NOW AND THEN A HERO

4:00pm POWDER PUFF PILOTS

8:00pm IN THE MIND OF OLYMPIANS

AT THE ACADEMY FOR NEW MUSICAL THEATRE - 5628 Vineland, North Hollywood

Friday, July 15

11:00pm CABARET!

Saturday, July 16

10:30am MARY MARIE

1:30pm THE ANGEL OF PAINTED POST

4:30pm GHOST(S)

8:30pm THE RING

11:00pm CABARET!

Sunday, July 17

11:00 am Meet the Writers

1:30pm GHOST(S)

4:30pm THE ANGEL OF PAINTED POST

8:30pm MARY MARIE

10:00pm WRAP PARTY!

Festival Passes cost $75 and will admit you to every event in the Festival except a Friday night gala. As was the tradition in Chicago, tickets to individual events will be available at the box office 15 minutes before curtain; individual tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Festival pass holders will be given priority seating, and any remaining tickets will be available for purchase by individuals.

“There are only 90 seats at the Group Rep Theatre,” explains Guy, “and so it’s possible there won’t be seats for individual ticket buyers. To counterbalance that, we’re scheduling events at the Academy a half-hour later than the ones at the theatre, so there still will be a musical to see for everyone.”

Co-Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry explains the distinction between events at the Academy and those at the theatre: “Events at the Academy showcase first drafts, whereas the ones at the theatre have all had several more stages of development…hence the word ‘Stages.’ We’ve added a late-night cabaret as well, which might include some even NEWER works, as well as some much much older works. New musical theatre, at every stage of development.”

Stages in Chicago solicited submissions from writers all around the country, involving readers and artistic directors to help recommend finalists. Because of the sudden closing of Theatre Building Chicago, there was not time for this year’s Stages to set up a complete submission process, so the works to be featured in this year’s festival have all been developed at ANMT. “We hope to set up the submission process in time for next year’s Stages,” says Dewsberry, “because there are so many wonderful writers and shows out there, we would love to be able to share them with Los Angeles.”

The more developed shows in this year’s 16th Annual Stages Musical Theatre Festival are: Windjammers, the moving tale of a sailor on the Great Lakes in the 19th century, written by Robin Share and Clay Zambo; In the Mind of Olympians, a powerful revue about the 1948 and 2012 London Olympics, written by a dozen writers in London and Los Angeles; Powder Puff Pilots, telling the story of female pilots in the 1920’s, written by Marian Partee, Cindy O’Connor and Noelle Donfeld; and Now and Then a Hero, ten stories of real life common heroes, written by Larry Johnson and Jake Anthony.

The shows at the first draft stage at the Academy are: Ghost(s), a goofy story of a local theatre company who thought they were producing a musical based on the hit movie Ghost, but discover to their horror it’s a terrible musical adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s play about syphilis and euthanasia, written by Kincaid Jones, Brian Woodbury and Noelle Donfeld; Mary Marie, a sweet family musical based on the classic 19th-century novel about a young girl struggling with her parents’ divorce, written by Chana Wise and Carl Johnson; The Ring, a nasty dark comedy about revenge at a high school reunion, written by Eric Dodson and Alan Fleishman; and The Angel of Painted Post, a powerful fable about an unlikely vision in an even more unlikely town, written Adrian Bewley, Richard Castle and Matthew Levine.

The festival begins on Friday evening July 15th, and continues morning, afternoon and evening through July 17th.

Festival passes may be purchased in advance for $75 ($100 includes the Friday night opening) through the Academy’s website at www.anmt.org

May 2, 2011

ANMT HOSTS STAGES FESTIVAL

After 15 years in Chicago, Stages Musical Theatre Festival has moved to Los Angeles. This prestigious festival of new musicals will be produced the weekend of July 15-17 by the Academy for New Musical Theatre at the Lonny Chapman Theatre and the Academy, featuring eight new musicals, in concert.

An annual Chicago tradition, Stages had been presented at Theatre Building Chicago, helmed by Artistic Director John Sparks. But last year, Theatre Building Chicago closed its doors and sold its building. So the Academy for New Musical Theatre stepped in to keep Stages’ tradition alive.

Sparks has been Artistic Director at the Academy since 1981, so the fit between the organizations is a natural one. “I’ve actually been thinking for years to launch a festival in Los Angeles, and this seemed like the right way to do it. Stages’ mission of presenting full readings of new musicals in concert is a perfect fit for ANMT’s vision.”

“It’s very exciting,” says the Academy’s Executive Director Scott Guy, “bringing together dozens of writers and over fifty actors to present eight brand-new shows. This is one of the most ambitious things we’ve ever produced at ANMT. We produced a four-show Festival with Theatre League back in 2006, and we’ve been producing a three-show concert reading series at the Colony Theatre — but this is eight shows, any given two of which are happening simultaneously!”

The schedule is designed so that a Festival Pass holder can see four shows on one day at the Lonny Chapman Theatre, and the other four shows at the Academy on the other. Or, if you have only one day, you can pick and choose among all eight shows, shuttling between the theatre and the Academy, which are five doors away from each other.

Festival Passes cost $75 and will admit you to every event in the Festival except a Friday night gala. As was the tradition in Chicago, tickets to individual events will be available at the box office 15 minutes before curtain; individual tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Festival pass holders will be given priority seating, and any remaining tickets will be available for purchase by individuals.

“There are only 90 seats at the Group Rep Theatre,” explains Guy, “and so it’s possible there won’t be seats for individual ticket buyers. To counterbalance that, we’re scheduling events at the Academy a half-hour later than the ones at the theatre, so there still will be a musical to see for everyone.”

Co-Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry explains the distinction between events at the Academy and those at the theatre: “Events at the Academy showcase first drafts, whereas the ones at the theatre have all had several more stages of development…hence the word ‘Stages.’ We’ve added a late-night cabaret as well, which might include some even NEWER works, as well as some much much older works. New musical theatre, at every stage of development.”

Stages in Chicago solicited submissions from writers all around the country, involving readers and artistic directors to help recommend finalists. Because of the sudden closing of Theatre Building Chicago, there was not time for this year’s Stages to set up a complete submission process, so the works to be featured in this year’s festival have all been developed at ANMT. “We hope to set up the submission process in time for next year’s Stages,” says Dewsberry, “because there are so many wonderful writers and shows out there, we would love to be able to share them with Los Angeles.”

The more developed shows in this year’s 16th Annual Stages Musical Theatre Festival are: Windjammers, the moving tale of a sailor on the Great Lakes in the 19th century, written by Robin Share and Clay Zambo;In the Mind of Olympians, a powerful revue about the 1948 and 2012 London Olympics, written by a dozen writers in London and Los Angeles; Powder Puff Pilots, telling the story of female pilots in the 1920’s, written by Marian Partee, Cindy O’Connor and Noelle Donfeld; and Now and Then a Hero, ten stories of real life common heroes, written by Larry Johnson and Jake Anthony.

The shows at the first draft stage at the Academy are: Ghost(s), a goofy story of a local theatre company who thought they were producing a musical based on the hit movie Ghost, but discover to their horror it’s a terrible musical adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s play about syphilis and euthanasia, written by Kincaid Jones, Brian Woodbury and Noelle Donfeld; Mary Marie, a sweet family musical based on the classic 19th-century novel about a young girl struggling with her parents’ divorce, written by Chana Wise and Carl Johnson; The Ring, a nasty dark comedy about revenge at a high school reunion, written by Eric Dodson and Alan Fleishman; and The Angel of Painted Post, a powerful fable about an unlikely vision in an even more unlikely town, written Adrian Bewley, Richard Castle and Matthew Levine.

The festival begins on Friday evening July 15th, and continues morning, afternoon and evening through July 17th.

Festival passes may be purchased in advance for $75 ($100 includes the Friday night opening) through the Academy’s website at www.anmt.org

March 28, 2011

ANMT Creates New Musicals from Scratch – the Process Revealed

On Monday, April 11th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will present the third annual Got Musical!, a sneak preview of brand-new musicals in development for producers across the country, giving an insight into the Academy’s process for creating new musicals from scratch specifically for producers and theatre companies.

Musicals to be showcase include nine new shows currently in development for producers:
Windjammers by Robin Share and Clay Zambo — songs and stories about shipping on the Great Lakes.
A Midsummersausage Night’s Dream by Joanne Koch, Bill Johnson and Larry Todd Johnson - a fanciful retelling of Shakespeare in the land of the Cheeseheads.
Duplexity by Eric Dodson and Jake Anthony — a envisioning of The Parent Trap for the gay community.
The Max Factor Factor by Adrian Bewley, Chana Wise, and Joseph Blodgett — Two gay leading men from rival studios in repressed 1930’s Hollywood.
Madwomen of Manhattan by Marian Partee, Patricia Zehentmayr, and Cindy O’Connor — a woman finds herself in a very unusual loony bin with some very famous inmates.
Manson’s Girls by Scott Guy, Mitchell Glaser, and Todd Syswerda - the story of Charles Manson from the point of the view of the women in his life.
The Ring by Eric Dodson and Alan Ross Fleishman - Will the high school reunion of some old rivals unearth TRUTH or…CAT FIGHTS?
The Big Ol’ Orange County Beauty Pageant by Sachi Oyama, Brad Beaver, and Tom Adams — what’s behind the usual cat fights at a beauty pageant?
In the Mind of Olympians by writers from both sides of the pond — comparing and contrasting the upcoming 2011 Olympics with the last games held in London in 1948.
The excerpts will be presented by members of the Academy Repertory Company (Elise Dewsberry, Ellen Dostal, Scott Guy, Evelyn Halus, David Holmes, Christopher Maikish, Sari Rose Poll, Andrea Press, Tedd Szeto, and Peter Welkin); and Guest Artists Jamie Baer, Noel Britton, Jordan Kai Burnett, Alex Chester, Randy Guiaya, Evan Laffer, and Minta Mullins. Musical Direction by Ross Kalling.

Guy explains that the ANMT development process is fairly simple: the producer generates or approves an idea; the creative team creates a paragraph-sized version, then a half-dozen-page version, and eventually a 15-minute first pass. At this point, the producer either shuts down the project, or agrees to produce a public reading of the work. If a producer approves of the project after the first 15-minute pass, the Academy supports table readings and workshops of the work, nurturing it through first draft. Then, the producer produces a public reading of the work at his expense. After the producer has fulfilled his obligation by producing the reading, he is under no obligation to produce the musical; but if he does produce the musical, the Academy expects the producer to do so under terms approved by the Dramatists Guild.

“We’ve found this to be a win-win situation for the writer and for the producer,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “and we’re excited to share this funny, artful and stimulating evening and showing off our innovative business model for developing new musicals for independent producers and theatre companies.”

Got Musical! takes place at 7:30pm on Monday, April 11th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. Tickets are $10. For more information, and to make a reservation, please visit www.anmt.org and click on Got Musical!

March 15, 2011

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR ANMT’s 2011 SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS

The Academy for New Musical Theatre has completed all the readings and evaluations for the 2011 Search for New Musicals, and we are thrilled to announce the winners.

First Prize goes to Emerald, book & lyrics by Chris Burgess, music by Denise Wright. Second Prize goes to TWO new musicals: Life After Life, book by Tracey Langran Corea, lyrics by Thaddeus Corea and Tracey Corea, music by Thaddeus Corea; and The Spirit of River City by Randolph Hobler. Third prize goes to Silas Marner, by Cathy Elliott.

In Emerald, American Grace Maguire moves to the idyllic seaside town of Ennismuck, West Ireland, where she clashes with a mining corporation, starts a volatile relationship with a local, and finds out some startling truths about her Irish heritage. This new musical will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company in May of 2011, and a concert reading as part of the 2011-12 Concert Reading Series at the Colony Theatre in Burbank.

Life After Life is a modern rock musical about a group of loved ones who confront a past that binds them together in this life and the afterlife. The Spirit of River City tells the fanciful story of an elder Meredith Willson who decides to travel from heaven back to Mason City, 1928, to debate with his younger self, right some past wrongs, and lay the groundwork for writing his famous musical The Music Man. Each of these new musicals will receive an ANMT staff table reading and feedback session in May of 2011.

Silas Marner is based on George Eliot’s third novel, Silas Marner: The Weaver of Raveloe, first published in 1861, which tells the story of a reclusive weaver who becomes the unlikely guardian of an abandoned child. This piece will receive an ANMT Video Analysis.

ANMT is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to ANMT for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

British writers Chris Burgess and Denise Wright won second prize in the 2010 ANMT Search with the previous draft of their new musical Emerald. Their response to ANMT’s ongoing dramaturgical feedback on the piece is “Thank you SO MUCH for your absolutely fantastic analysis of Emerald. What a great opportunity we now have to strengthen and clarify the piece. If only life were like this, and you got a second and third shot at it! … You have an eagle eye and a pitch perfect ear and we treasure your insights and suggestions. A big thank you yet again from across the pond. We really wouldn’t be where we are with this show without you.”
Many other writers have been enthusiastic about the feedback they have received by submitting to ANMT’s Search, saying “The real value of this service is in its rarity: from genuine industry professionals who have the clarity and vision to provide feedback with no bias or agenda and which asks the right questions and suggestions to enable YOU to genuinely UNDERSTAND how to make your work a better piece of musical theatre - the long term benefits of which are incalculable!” (Michael Dresser); “ANMT offers something unique: an in-depth, thoughtful, honest appraisal of a work in progress. They deliver enormous value for a relatively small financial investment. I recommend the Search to any writer developing a new work for the musical stage.” (Stephen Telfer); and “Thanks for the honest evaluation. That’s not easy to come by and the level of detail you provided far exceeded my expectations so I feel I got more than my money’s worth.” (S.D. Williams).

All musicals submitted (at any level) to ANMT by DECEMBER 15 of 2011 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season.

Winners will be announced by next March 15 following the annual deadline. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

For more information on the Search, visit www.anmt.org.

January 24, 2011

New London Musical co-written with Los Angeles Musical Theatre Writers

In the Mind of Olympians is a powerful and touching revue about athletes, set in both London in 1948 and London 2012, written by contemporary musical theatre writers in London and Los Angeles, presented in concert at the Colony Theatre, 555 Third Street in Burbank, at 7:30pm on February 14th.

Developed by Mercury Musical Developments in London and the Academy for New Musical Theatre in Los Angeles, this new musical is being developed and workshopped simultaneously in London and North Hollywood.

‘It is thrilling working again with London musical theatre writers,’ says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Artistic Director, ‘We developed four shows with Mercury Musicals in 2005, back when it made economic sense to mail a crate full of VHS tapes to London. Now, of course, we’re streamcasting live rehearsals, and uploading videos and mp3’s and Skyping, and so we’re working even more closely with the writers. We’re hoping to workshop the whole show this summer, and then inspire a series of productions all across the country in 2012.’

The athletes featured in the 1948 portions of the revue are based on real men and women who competed in London, right after World War II ended; the athletes in 2012 are composites of contemporary athletes.

‘Comparing 1948 London to NOW gives us a sobering and exhilarating perspective,’ says Scott Guy, one of the three book writers of the revue, ‘seeing how much the world has changed since London last hosted the Olympics: there were so many athletes back then competing out of patriotism, and now Olympians are selling their citizenship to the highest bidder. Or, did you know that women weren’t allowed to run the marathon until the 1970’s? The longest distance they were allowed to run in 1948 was 800 meters. Writing this revue allows us to shine spotlights on real people with real issues, comparing them to our own issues…what’s changed? What’s frighteningly the same?’

There are three bookwriters on the project, and twelve different songwriting teams. Two bookwriters are British, one is American, and the song writing teams are from both sides of the Pond as well.

The concert on February 14th presents seven sections of the revue; the second half of the evening features another musical in development, Windjammers, telling the dramatic stories of the men and women of the Great Lakes’ shipping industry in the 19th century.

Admission is $10 at the door, or make reservations at the Academy’s website: www.anmt.org.

October 29, 2010

Musical Mashup of Gilbert & Sullivan wins New Musicals Search

The winner of the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s 2010 Search for New Musicals, Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street, will be presented in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on Monday, November 15th at 7:30 p.m.

This tale of passion, betrayal, global domination, and office romance is a loving tribute to the operettas of Gilbert & Sullivan, with a score set to the music by Arthur Sullivan, and original book and lyrics by Charles Veley. Gilbert & Sullivan operettas are arguably still the most widely-performed on the planet, more than a century after delighting their first audiences. This tribute follows happily in the G&S tradition, taking a lighthearted view of contemporary follies and foibles. Like the G&S stories, Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street starts with a somewhat absurd premise involving ‘toxic assets,’ insider trading and office romance, propelling the characters through topsy-turvy turns of events and arriving at a logical but hilarious conclusion. Sullivan’s wonderful and entrancing melodies lift the mood, to borrow phrases from both contemporary Wall Street and The Mikado, “to a height of irrational exuberance that few can scale.”

The concert will be directed by director & choreographer Allison Bibicoff (Xanadu) with musical direction by Ross Källing and will feature members of ANMT’s Academy Repertory Company and guests: Elise Dewsberry, Ellen Dostal, Michael Downing, Elizabeth Greene, Evelyn Halus, David Holmes, Johanna Kent, Mona King, Christopher Maikish, Andrea Press, Cody Ruegger, Jeremy Sage, David Scales, Sean Smith, Sara J. Stuckey, Tedd Szeto, Peter Welkin, Jennifer Winkler, and Paul Wong. “This is a valuable opportunity for the author to hear his show performed by 19 strong voices, and to hear live audience feedback, which will help him make important choices as he continues to develop this new work,” expresses director Allison Bibicoff.

First Prize in the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s Search for New Musicals is the concert reading. Last spring, Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street had a workshop at the Academy, receiving detailed feedback and dramaturgy, a total package worth over $10,000 for the playwright. “We were initially drawn in by how well the contemporary language of the Wall Street lexicon marries comically to this classical score and have delighted in its further development,” says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry.

Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street will be performed in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on Monday evening, November 15th at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.00. For more info or to purchase tickets online, please visit www.ANMT.org.

October 11, 2010

SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS DEADLINE DECEMBER 15

The 4th annual Search for New Musicals, sponsored by the Academy for New Musical Theatre is an international contest for new works of musical theatre. The Search offers some $30,000 in prizes, in the form of feedback, table readings, workshops and concert readings. The deadline for submission is Wednesday, December 15th; winners are announced in March.

The winner of the Search will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, the resident acting company at the Academy, in the spring of 2011, followed by detailed feedback sessions from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles during the 2011-12 concert reading season.

‘We receive submissions from all over the world,’ says the Academy’s Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. ‘It’s a very exciting search, and is growing every year.’

First Place winners have included: The Water by Jeff Hylton, Tim Werenko, and Georgia Stitt (2008); Greenbrier Ghost by Susan Murray and Clay Zambo (2009); and Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street by Charles Veley and Arthur Sullivan (2010).
Writers can submit their shows electronically via ANMT’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form. There is a $100 fee for submitting to the Search, in return for which each entry will receive a 3-5 page script evaluation from an ANMT staff dramaturg.

“We know that some writers don’t feel there should be fees attached to script submissions,” says the Academy’s Executive Director Scott Guy, “But the fee is really for the Script Overview, and the entry into the Search is a side benefit. If writers are submitting their musicals only because they want to win a contest, then the Search probably isn’t right for them. This is an opportunity for feedback, development and exposure.”

“Frankly, I found the Search more helpful than a staged reading would have been,’ says Search participant Barbara Campbell, who wrote the musical The Awakening. ‘This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic nuts and bolts than I have ever received to date.”

“The Search is the best tutorial I’ve ever had and, like most artists, I generally don’t sit still for tutorials,’ says Ed Goldman, author of Friday@5.

ANMT has a development process which has been around for four decades, nurturing musicals through a number of stages, including outlines, rough drafts, table readings and concert readings.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org. ANMT is located at 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, California (91601). Writers who have questions may email academy@anmt.org.

July 12, 2010

A new musical about foster care kids

“Aging Out,” the a new rock musical that tells the stories of foster care kids who turn 18 and age out of the foster care system, will have its premiere in concert form for five performances only at the NoHo Arts Center, on July 21-August 4. With music by Darin Goulet and book and lyrics by Tara Redepenning and Hillary Rollins, the writing team is hoping to open some eyes and minds about the realities of foster care kids.

“The characters in the show and their stories are inspired by things that really happened,” says Rollins, “We’re hoping to inspire some people with the courage and plight of these kids. By bringing some of their stories to life, maybe we can help a little bit.”

“Aging Out” is not all doom-and-gloom, because it is, after all, a musical. The writers have found joy and humor in their characters. Some of the songs include “The Ones Nobody Wanted,” “Laundry,” “My Life is a Soap Opera,” and “15 Transition Tips.”

“The show is so funny it’s almost a problem,” confesses composer Goulet, “we’ve found so many laughs in our first drafts that we think we might be undercutting some of the serious moments of the show. We’re definitely exploring some very serious and dangerous issues, so we want to treat them with respect and give them the drama that they deserve.”

The musical grew out of a partnership between the Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood and the Department of Drama at University of California/Irvine. “Aging Out” has been workshopped several times at the Academy and UC/Irvine both, and was a highlight of the 2009 Festival of New Musicals at Irvine.

The two organizations have quietly been nurturing four musicals for pair of seasons, and are now ready to present the first of them in public.

“It’s one thing to put on a tried-and-true Rodgers & Hammerstein classic like Oklahoma or South Pacific,” says Dr. Daniel Gary Busby, professor of UCI’s celebrated drama department, “It’s quite another to develop new musicals – originals, from the first word all the way through to full production – and that’s the journey the drama department of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts has embarked on.”

The performances this summer will feature UC/Irvine students in the cast. “It’s very exciting to see 18 year olds playing 18 year olds,” says the Academy’s Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “In our professional workshops, we often use working Hollywood actors, which means they might be 20 or even 30. Working with the UC/Irvine students is amazing; they’re all ready to move straight to Broadway. We’re so lucky to be able to work with them.”

August 4 will be a benefit for the Serpentine Project, CBS’ “Survivor” host Jeff Probst’s charity for foster children, along with the Academy for New Musical Theatre and UC/Irvine.

Performances are July 21, 27, 28 and August 3 and 4 at the NoHo Arts Center at 11134 Magnolia in Burbank. Tickets are $20. Reservations may be made via the Academy’s website www.anmt.org.

July 5, 2010

Crash Courses in Musical Theatre Writing and Acting

For the months of July and August, the Academy for New Musical Theatre at 5628 Vineland in North Hollywood is offering summer crash courses in the art of writing musicals.

There are courses in lyric writing, composing, bookwriting, as well as outlining, analysis, music preparation and dialogue punching. And for the actor, there are intensives in audition techniques and masterclasses for the singing actor.

The Academy’s Executive Director, Scott Guy, explains that “The philosophy of the summer boot camp is designed to give writers a chance to work quickly over a concentrated six week period. If you’re thinking about writing a musical, but aren’t 100% sure about your idea, or the time involved, or even your own level of commitment, the summer boot camp is a perfect place to play and explore.”

Academy instructors have Broadway credits, as well as regional theatre credits, college and university experience, and have a true sense of purpose helping writers and their musicals. The Academy’s writers’ workshop itself has been around for over 40 years and has helped nurture some 2000 musicals.

Courses include:

OUTLINING LAB

LEARNING A DANCE COMBINATION QUICKLY

COLD READING for AUDITIONS

PREPARING YOUR SCORE in FINALE NOTATION

SUMMER BOOK LAB

BRINGING A SONG TO LIFE

FINDING and USING YOUR LEGIT and BELT VOICE

MUSICAL STYLES AND GENRES

THE ART OF WRITING DIALOGUE

ADAPTATION: CASE STUDIES and PRACTICUM

HOW DOES A MUSICAL GET FINANCED?

Q & A with ENTERTAINMENT ATTORNEYS

MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMERS INTENSIVE

Courses vary from $95 to $495. For a complete schedule of courses, fees, and biographies of the instructors, visit www.anmt.org.

July 1, 2010

New musicals explode in North Hollywood this summer

The Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood has over 50 new musicals in development this season, and this summer they’re producing some of them, workshopping some others, giving concert readings of still more, plus putting on two conferences on the business of musical theatre (one for actors, one for writers), as well as offering several dozen courses in the craft of writing, acting, or producing musical theatre.

ANMT will take over the NoHo Arts Center for six weeks from July 16 through August 22nd, and they’re cramming in all that musical theatre activity, practically night and day, seven days a week, for 38 astonishing days.

“Since we’re producing a musical on the weekends,” says Scott Guy, the Academy’s Executive Director, “we thought we might as well create events and programs for the time surrounding that production as well. We’re ramping up for a huge summer!”

The lynch pin to the summer programming is a production of the new musical, 40 is the New 15, written by Larry Todd Johnson and Cindy O’Connor, which follows the lives of five 40-year-olds as they look back to when they were 15…looking forward to being 40. An earlier workshop version of this musical was nominated for a 2010 GLAAD Media Award, and was selected by Stephen Schwartz for the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop

Tuesdays and Wednesdays will feature a workshop production of Aging Out, which explores what happens to foster-care kids when they age out of the System. The musical follows seven kids for a year, beginning on the day they “graduate” into adult life with little or no emotional or financial support. They are now utterly and frighteningly on their own in a world which doesn’t want them. Book and lyrics are by Tara Redepenning and Hillary Rollins with music by Darin Goulet. This musical is being developed in partnership with the Drama Department at University of California/Irvine and was part of their Festival of New Musicals in the fall of 2009.

Over the weekend of July 23-25, the Academy will host the third bi-annual conference aimed at musical theatre writers, producers and theatre industry experts discussing the nuts-and-bolts of marketing and producing new musicals in today’s economy. The Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz invites producers, agents, Broadway writers, artistic directors, entertainment attorneys, marketers, entrepreneurs, and writers all to come together to network and share the inside scoop and behind-the-scenes info about getting musicals seen and produced.

Two weeks later, on August 6-7-8, the Academy will host a conference for actors, shining a spotlight on the business side of their careers. Agents, producers, casting directors, music directors, artistic directors, photographers, managers, vocal coaches, union reps and working actors will share survival tips and techniques for actors young and seasoned. Dan Callaway will host the weekend, produced by Broadway’s Heather Provost.

Monday and Sunday evenings, the Academy will host a series of one-night-only concerts featuring musical theatre artists such as Ed Martel, Darin Goulet, Elise Dewsberry, Christopher Maikish, Dana Shaw, and a special appearance of Sondheim Unscripted.

Meanwhile, the Academy will also be conducting a full summer of courses on the writing and performing of musical theatre in their annual Musical Theatre Summer Boot Camp.

“Okay, we’re crazy to attempt all this musical theatre activity all at once,” confesses Elise Dewsberry, trying hard not to look at her watch, “but having six weeks all to ourselves at the beautiful NoHo Arts Center is such a golden opportunity, we want to make sure we produce everything we possibly can!”

Prices vary from $20 for the dark night series, to a range of $250-$495 for the conferences. Programs begin on July 16 and run through August 22nd. For a complete schedule of the summer, visit the Academy’s website at www.anmt.org.

June 23, 2010

World Premiere musical in Los Angeles: 40 is the New 15

The Academy for New Musical Theatre is producing a world premiere musical, 40 is the New 15. at the NoHo Arts Center for a six week run beginning July 16 through August 22nd.

This show was selected by Stephen Schwartz to be part of his ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop in February 2010, and The Academy’s workshop presentation of it last summer at the Secret Rose Theatre was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. 40 is the New 15 follows the lives of some fortysomethings who look back to their innocent days in high school, when they all dreamed of becoming successes at 40. A wannabe neurosurgeon, a teen gymnast phenom, a computer geek, an all-too-All-American baseball fan, and a starry-eyed musical theatre fan…all grow up to be…well, 40-year-olds.

“It’s touching and funny,” says ANMT’s Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “and speaks powerfully about those critical moments in our lives when either we change…or we stay as we were, for better or for worse. I leave the theatre after a performance of 40 is the New 15 feeling very empowered.”

“This is the biggest production in our 40-year history” beams the show’s producer Scott Guy, “We’re adding live band, scenic design by a guy from Disney, and a thousand light cues. It’s thrilling to have nurtured this piece from its very beginnings through workshop, concert readings, and now full production.”

Guy confides that the writers learned a lot from the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop of this show in February, and have done a lot of re-examining how the songs function, particularly how they END, both in content and in style.

Bookwriter Larry Todd Johnson explains that ‘We’re examining whether we would make the same decisions, if we knew then what we know now. Cindy and I are fascinated by how inevitable some of our life-choices seem, in retrospect. There are certain moments in our lives which determine who we are, indelibly. We find that wonderful, funny, and a little terrifying all at once. Can understanding this help us get past it? That’s what this musical is all about.’

‘I love the fact that I get to write music for these characters in two completely different time periods. In Act 1 they’re teenagers in the 80’s, and the songs have a youthful 80’s pop flavor. In Act 2 they’re older, life is more complicated, and their songs get more complex and diverse in style. It really reflects what’s happened to my generation, and to me, since the 80’s.’

The authors are both 40, and knew each other when they were teenagers. ‘We didn’t start writing together until we were young adults,’ says O’Connor, ‘but we’ve been successful writing as a team for twenty years. A lot of silly murder mysteries, yes, but some very serious works as well.’ Johnson and O’Connor’s All That He Was won the Kennedy Center Kennedy Center National Student Playwriting Award’ and the KC/ACTF Musical Theatre Award.’

40 is the New 15 was originally developed in the Academy’s workshop, but subsequently caught the eye of Academy staff, who supported it with several presentations at the Academy and in the Concert Reading Series at the Colony Theatre. John Sparks, the Academy’s venerable Artistic Director, included it in his Monday Night Reading Series at Theatre Building Chicago.

The Academy is building the scenery on its own premises, and then moving it to the NoHo Arts Center the week before opening.

The Academy touts a “risk-free” approach to producing 40 is the New 15 this summer, citing a combination of pre-sales and benefactor-guarantors. They used a similar method of pre-sales last year to guarantee that production costs were entirely covered, even before they booked a theatre.

‘We knew we could not afford to lose money on a production,’ says Guy, ‘so we went to all our friends and members, and said ‘If you’ll buy enough tickets in advance, we can commit to this production. If we don’t sell enough tickets, we won’t produce the show; it’s that simple.’ Guy’s approach worked like gangbusters. The Academy’s friends rallied to the cause.

‘We’re grateful and astonished at the outpouring of support from our friends,’ says the Academy’s Associate Artistic Director, Elise Dewsberry. ‘It shows us that a lot of folks want us to succeed as producers of new musicals. It’s very encouraging; we’ve been producing in concert for a couple of seasons now, and our audience has come to trust our taste and our quality programming. We couldn’t have done this without them, obviously.’

Performances begin July 16 at the NoHo Arts Center. Thursday through Saturday evenings, with Saturday and Sunday matinees. $30. www.anmt.org or LINK to reserve tickets.

June 21, 2010

15 MINUTE MUSICALS NOW ON SALE!

Four brand-new fifteen-minute musicals will have their world premiere on June 28 and 29 at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. These musicals are a decades-long tradition at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, and one of the hottest tickets in town.

The 15 Minute Musical Project concludes each season of the Academy’s world-famous core curriculum of the writers’ workshop, which has been in existence for over 40 years.
For the final project of the curriculum, composers and lyricists and bookwriters are put together on writing teams and are given eight short weeks to write, revise and polish a brand-new musical written for five actors whom they’ve never met before.

“It’s like a rite of passage,” says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Artistic Director and producer of the 15 Minute Musicals. “We design the process to imitate a full-length show in a professional theatre: draft, rehearsal, rewrites, rehearsal, opening. It’s really a wonderful experience, but it’s often stressful, just like a million dollar opening night. Our writers’ names are in the program, and it’s important to them they write the best show they possibly can, in the short amount of time we’ve given them.”

This season there will be four 15-minute musicals, featuring the same cast of five actors. The writers have been given a theme of For Richer, For Poorer, and have cooked up four wildly different approaches to this theme: an outrageous family squabble over a cookie dough recipe; a porn movie with a G-rated director at the helm; Hansel and Gretel all grown up but delusional that the Witch is still out to eat ’em; and three exotic plants singing for their lives.

These evenings are an annual highlight of the Academy’s year-long season of developing new musicals and feature many new voices in musical theatre. Every seat in the house usually sells out.

The four shows presented each evening (June 28 and 29) are:
Dough!, with book by Sarah Hernandez, music by Clifford J. Tasner, and lyrics by Ron Ovadia.
Shoot Ma!, with book by Joe Moe, music by Ryan Luevano, and lyrics by Richard Hefner
Witch Is It?, with book by Maureen Borillo, music by Matthew Levine, and lyrics by Richard Castle
Green Thumb, with book by Joan Enguita, music by Nancy Gitlin, and lyrics by Joan Enguita and Karrie Vach
The cast for all four musicals is: Sonia Alcazar, Patrick Foley, Barry O’Neil, Emily Kimmel Plotkin, and Gabrielle Wagner. The four musicals are directed by John Sparks, with music direction by Jake Anthony.

Tickets are $25; the performances begin at 7:30pm. For tickets, reservations and more info: www.anmt.org

June 7, 2010

Conference for Musical Theatre Writers

This summer, a three-day conference for musical theatre writers brings together producers, agents, managers, writers, union reps, artistic directors and other theatre artists to address the complex issues of marketing new musicals and the business of musical theatre. The third bi-annual conference will take place on July 23-25, hosted by the Academy for New Musical Theatre at the NoHo Arts Center in North Hollywood. The conference is called “The Biz of the Musical Theatre: a conference for writers.”

“Getting musicals in the hands of producers is such a tricky, complex business,” says the Academy’s Executive Director, “It gets more difficult every year. We’ve hosted two national conferences, in 2006 and again in 2008, but in this one in 2010, we’re going to explore the nuts and bolts of marketing musicals from the writers’ standpoint, as well as how to get producers’ attention. There are good ways to do it, and there are really bad ways which can really hurt a writer’s career. This conference should give a writer some really practical guidance about what to do with a new musical.”

Invitations have gone out to musical theatre luminaries to serve on all sorts of interesting panels including:

Pitch Me! Producers and Executives Who Actually Want You to Email Them
How do you get someone, anyone, to take your pitch? This group of powerful panelists will actually take your pitch. They’ll talk to you about how to approach them, and how NOT to approach them. But also, as a bonus for everyone who’s registered for the conference, ANMT has compiled a long list of producers and agents who’ve agreed to receive an email pitch from you: you send us two paragraphs — one about you and one about your project — and we’ll send it directly to them. Folks who’ll receive your email pitch include:

“We try to invite people who have their ear to the ground about today’s economy and marketing techniques,” says Guy, “but we also love hosting Broadway writers who can share their success stories with us. It’s always inspiring to hear how a musical makes it. An undiscovered musical theatre writer hears these stories and thinks, ‘If they can make it, so can I!’ To some degree that’s true, of course, but we also want to temper that wonderful idealism with some practical advice and a sense of reality. The conference is designed to empower and inspire, but also to guide and advise.”

The topics for this years’ panels will be:

Pay Me!: Getting Paid as a Musical Theatre Writer
Pick Me!: Contests, Festivals, Grants and Big Important Prestigious Awards
Pitch Me! Producers and Executives Who Actually Want You to Email Them
Produce Me! Launching a Musical from Los Angeles
Sue Me! How to Avoid Being Sued By Your Collaborator;
Q&A with Entertainment Attorneys
Tweet Me!: New Media, New Audiences; Using the Internet to Get Producers’ Attention
Watch Me!: Musical Theatre on the Big and Small Screen

The conference will take place the weekend of July 23-25. For an up-to-date schedule, list of this year’s panelists, fees, and info on registering, visit www.anmt.org

April 26, 2010

New musicals explode in North Hollywood this summer

This summer from July 16 through August 22nd, the Academy for New Musical Theatre is producing six weeks of new musicals, seven days a week: productions, workshops, concerts, lectures, seminars, two conferences on the business of musical theatre (one for actors, one for writers), as well as offering several dozen courses in the craft of writing or acting or producing musical theatre.

The lynch pin to the summer programming is a production of the new musical, 40 is the New 15, written by Larry Todd Johnson and Cindy O’Connor, which follows the lives of five 40-year-olds as they look back to when they were 15…looking forward to being 40. This musical was nominated for a 2010 GLAAD Media Award, and was selected by Stephen Schwartz for the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop.

But a single summer production is not enough for this ambitious company. “Since we’re producing a musical on the weekends,” says Scott Guy, the Academy’s Executive Director, “we thought we might as well create events and programs for the other time as well. We’re ramping up for a huge summer!”

Tuesdays and Wednesdays will feature a workshop production of Aging Out, which explores what happens to foster-care kids when they age out of the System. The musical follows seven kids for a year, beginning on the day they “graduate” into adult life with little or no emotional and financial support. They have aged out of the system, and are now utterly and frighteningly on their own in a world which doesn’t want them. Book and lyrics are by Tara Redepenning and Hillary Rollins with music by Darin Goulet. This musical is being developed in partnership with the Drama Department at University of California/Irvine and was part of their Festival of New Musicals last fall.

On the weekend of July 23-25, the Academy will host the third bi-annual conference aimed at musical theatre writers, producers and theatre industry experts discussing the nuts-and-bolts of marketing and producing new musicals in today’s economy. The Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz invites producers, agents, Broadway writers, artistic directors, entertainment attorneys, marketers, entrepreneurs, and writers all to come together to network and share the inside scoop and behind-the-scenes info about getting musicals seen and produced.

Two weeks later, on August 6-8, the Academy will host a conference for actors, shining the spotlight on the business side of their careers. Agents, producers, casting directors, music directors, artistic directors, photographers, managers, vocal coaches, union reps and working actors will share survival tips and techniques for actors young and seasoned. Dan Callaway will host the weekend, produced by Broadway’s Heather Provost.

Sunday evenings will be private events by invitation only. These events will not generally be open to the public, and usually are informal presentations of new musicals which are not yet ready for the discerning public.

Meanwhile, back at their home a few blocks away, the Academy will be conducting a full summer of courses on the writing and performing of musical theatre in their annual Musical Theatre Summer Boot Camp.

“Okay, we’re crazy to attempt all this musical theatre activity all at once,” confesses Elise Dewsberry, trying hard not to look at her watch, “but having six weeks all to ourselves at the beautiful NoHo Arts Center is such a golden opportunity, we want to make sure we produce everything we possibly can!”

Prices vary from $20 for the dark night series, to a range of $250-$495 for the conferences. Programs begin on July 16 and run through August 22nd. For a complete schedule of the summer, visit the Academy’s website at www.anmt.org.

April 5, 2010

ANMT Creates New Musicals from Scratch – the Process Revealed

On Monday, April 19th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will present the second annual Got Musical!, a sneak preview of brand-new musicals in development for producers across the country, giving an insight into the Academy’s process for creating new musicals from scratch specifically for producers and theatre companies.

Musicals to be showcase include thirteen new shows currently in development for producers:Windjammers by Robin Share and Clay Zambo — songs and stories about shipping on the Great Lakes.A Midsummersausage Night’s Dream by Joanne Koch, Bill Johnson and Larry Todd Johnson - a fanciful retelling of Shakespeare in the land of the Cheeseheads.Got Milk by Hillary Rollins, Bill Johnson and Kellen Blair — everyone’s favorite all-bovine musical revue.Those Circus Boys by Charmaine Spencer, Beverly Crain and Aaron Coleman — the early days of the Ringling Brothers.Aging Out by Tara Redepenning, Hillary Rollins and Darin Goulet — What happens to foster care kids when they turn 18 and the System stops taking care of them?Powder Puff Pilots by Marian Partee, Cindy O’Connor and Noelle Donfeld — 14 brave female pilots in the 1920’s, and their historic flying race.Black & White Christmas by Chana Wise and Carl Johnson - Jimmy Stewart, Judy Garland, Bing Crosby and Natalie Wood to the rescue, on Christmas Eve!Mistletoe, Mistletoe by Eric Dodson and Alan Ross Fleishman — Poor Aaron, fearing his girlfriend has dumped him, wishes he had the last year to live over. Careful what you wish for!e-$cape by Scott Guy and Clifford Tasner - a cyberspace thriller.The Ring by Eric Dodson and Alan Ross Fleishman - Will the high school reunion of some old rivals unearth TRUTH or…CAT FIGHTS?A Dog’s Tale by Carla Porter, Brian Leader and Brad Beaver — based on Mark Twain’s dark dark short story.Ghost(s) by Kincaid Jones, Brian Woodbury and Noelle Donfeld — a mistaken communication forces a community theatre troupe to put on a terrrrrible musical adaptation of Ibsen’s play, rather than a musical based on the Patrick Swayze movie they thought they were getting.Stigma Pi by Chris Smith, Jake Anthony and Mitch Glaser — a musical soap opera filled with horny college girls and the horny college guys who love to love them.

“You don’t have to be in Los Angeles to benefit from our process,” says ANMT Executive Director Scott Guy. “Weʼve developed many shows long-distance utilizing internet technology and our digital equipment, including shows with writers based in London and Berlin.” One of these “long-distance” shows is Miss Vulcan 1939 which the Academy developed for the Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama. “Red Mountain was so happy with that process that they have produced that show three years in a row,” says Guy.

Guy explains that the ANMT development process is fairly simple: the producer generates or approves an idea; the creative team creates a paragraph-sized version, then a half-dozen-page version, and eventually a 15-minute first pass. At this point, the producer either shuts down the project, or agrees to produce a public reading of the work. If a producer approves of the project after the first 15-minute pass, the Academy supports table readings and workshops of the work, nurturing it through first draft. Then, the producer produces a public reading of the work at his expense. After the producer has fulfilled his obligation by producing the reading, he is under no obligation to produce the musical; but if he does produce the musical, the Academy expects the producer to do so under terms approved by the Dramatists Guild.

“We’ve found this to be a win-win situation for the writer and for the producer,” says Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, “and we’re excited to share this funny, artful and stimulating evening and showing off our innovative business model for developing new musicals for independent producers and theatre companies.”

Got Musical! takes place at 7:30pm on Monday, April 19th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. Tickets are $10. For more information, and to make a reservation, please visit www.anmt.org and click on Got Musical!

March 21, 2010

Producing Musicals without Risk? How is that Possible?

If someone asked you whether it’s possible to produce musical theatre ‘risk free’ you’d laugh, of course. And yet, ‘risk-free’ producing is exactly what the Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood is trying to do this summer.

For the second time.

Last summer, the Academy produced a musical at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood under ‘risk-free’ conditions…and saw a 156% return on its dollar. Now it’s trying to repeat its success.

It sounds impossible, doesn’t it? Every year, only a few musicals make money for their producers; those few make millions of dollars, sometimes billions. But most of the rest of the musicals lose millions of dollars. Knowing how many musicals lose tens of millions of dollars every year, why would the Academy even consider producing in today’s economy?

Executive Director Scott Guy explains. ‘We believe that many musicals lose money because they haven’t undergone enough development — producers are quick to rush a show to the stage in order to begin making money, but we believe that if they spent more time developing a show, and nurturing it through table readings, concerts, and the all-important workshop production, at the end of the day their show is going to be much much stronger.’

The Academy’s putting its money where its mouth is. Last year, they mounted a workshop production of a chamber musical called 40 is the New 15 written by Larry Todd Johnson and Cindy O’Connor, and are now planning a full-scale production of it this summer. 40 is the New 15 follows the lives of five 40-year-olds looking back to when they were 15 looking forward to being 40. It’s received a lot of attention, garnering a 2010 GLAAD Media Award nomination, and being selected by Stephen Schwartz for the ASCAP/Disney Musical Theatre Workshop at the Disney Studios in February.

40 is the New 15 was originally conceived at the Academy in its full-length curriculum, and then cultivated exactly as Guy describes: in-house presentations at the Academy, the some public concert readings at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, and then last year in workshop production at the Secret Rose Theatre in Hollywood. Now, the Academy is planning a full-scale production with complete scenery, costumes, lighting and a live band.

‘It’s our vision now to be able to nurture many musicals this way…from conception through production,’ says Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, ‘It’s very exciting to watch what’s happening to 40 is the New 15. We think it’s the future of the Academy…to select a show for workshop production one season, followed by its full production the next year.’

Guy’s eyes shine when he watches Dewsberry talk about the Academy’s future. He interrupts her to say, ‘The Academy passed its Survival Phase a few years ago…we’ve clearly survived. But now we’re facing an equally transforming moment in the Academy’s history: become a producer, or forever stay a developmental organization. We have thirteen musicals in development this season alone, with another round coming up next year — how can we sit around and wait for someone else to come along and produce them?’

If Guy doesn’t sound scared, that’s because he’s not. His business plan last summer worked, and he’s confident it will work again. ‘It’s not about investors; it’s not about not paying actors…,’ says Guy, ‘It’s about pre-sales. Last year we actually made money producing our first musical. Now we’re determined to do it again. At approximately ten times the scale as last year. Well, okay, eight times the scale.’

Here’s how Guy and the Academy did it last year. They reached out to their members, friends, and fan base and requested everyone to buy tickets in advance for the workshop production of 40 is the New 15. Guy insisted that the Academy would not commit to production until pre-sales equaled the entire budget, from opening night to closing night, every single dollar. It took a massive email and telephone campaign, but the Academy did it: they raised the entire budget by selling tickets in advance…and so, they were able to produce risk-free, and the show went on to become a big summer hit.

Now they’re asking members and friends to do it again. Only this year, the stakes are higher: a full production is much bigger than a workshop production. There will be a live band, a bigger theatre, more elaborate scenery, costumes and lights; and of course the budget is much bigger.

Guy confesses that he doesn’t think he’ll get the entire budget covered by pre-sales this time around. So how is he going to pull off the trick of risk-free producing this time?

‘We figure the answer this summer is Wall-to-wall 7-days-a-week musical theatre,’ says Guy. We’re booking the beautiful NoHo Arts Center for six weeks, and we’re loading it up with shows and concerts seven days a week. 40 is the New 15 will perform Thursday through Sundays where we hope it will make its weekly nut, but we are also planning for workshop production on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and a Concert Series on Monday nights. It’s going to kill us; it’s going to be great!’

There’s another secret weapon which Guy isn’t yet able to speak about: a private patron from Chicago who has promised to guarantee X number of dollars in ticket sales if the production bombs at the box office, ‘but that’s a last resort. We’re bound and determined not to take a penny from him!’ says Dewsberry.

The Academy is looking for $15,000 in pre-sales by April 15th. They’re giving ticket-buyers the option of exchanging tickets for different dates, and patrons have embraced this idea. ‘I’m happy to help new musicals by buying a ticket in advance,’ applauds one supportive patron, ‘especially because they’re letting me switch my performance date later; that’s great. I get to see a show when I want to… plus I get to help contribute to musical theatre history by supporting a new show. I love that!’

March 8, 2010

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2010 SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS

The Academy for New Musical Theatre has completed all the readings and evaluations for the 2010 Search for New Musicals, and we are thrilled to announce the winners.

First Prize goes to Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street, book & lyrics by Charles Veley, music by Arthur Sullivan. Second Prize goes to The Next Fairy Tale, by Brian Pugach. Third prize goes to Stranger to the Muse, book and lyrics by Patrick Gallagher and music by Adam David Cohen.

In Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street, ex-billionaire Wall Street entrepreneur Frederick F. Freemarket is about to save the world’s economy, make billions of dollars for his employees, and redeem his good name. What could possibly go wrong? This loving homage to the comedies of W.S. Gilbert set to the music of Arthur Sullivan, updated to the current stock market crisis, will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company in May of 2010, and a concert reading as part of the 2010-11 Concert Reading Series at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. ‘[The evaluation] from ANMT provided many fresh insights and inspirations.’ said Veley. ‘I’m looking forward to even more magic from the workshop!’

The Next Fairy Tale tells the story of the chaos created in fairy-tale land when the object of the Prince’s affection turns out to be - another Prince! The Next Fairy Tale will receive an ANMT staff table reading and feedback session in May of 2010.

Stranger to the Muse is an examination of love through the eyes of Eric, a 25 year old aspiring screenwriter. After he is told to incorporate a love story into his screenplay, he decides, having never been in love before, to examine the great philosophical, literary, and cinematic explorations of love. When he does, the stories come alive around him, and teach him valuable lessons about his real life relationships with the women in his life. This piece will receive an ANMT Video Analysis.

ANMT is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre. If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to ANMT for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.

Said one very satisfied entrant about the Search, ‘Without ANMT’s help this project would never have come this far! After last year’s search and the ANMT analysis before that, I have received top notch plot help, character development, and musical advice. Useful is not a strong enough word. ANMT has been a guiding force in this project’s evolution, for which I am most grateful. One of the most difficult things for writers is obtaining professional feedback. Working in a vacuum is almost impossible. Collaboration and constant outside feedback is part of the process. I would certainly recommend ANMT to fellow writers.’

Other receipients of the detailed Analysis have said ‘Wow! Almost 45 minutes of detailed analysis — I’m frankly feeling a bit blown away! Such helpful insights. I’ve listened to the evaluation twice now. MANY THANKS for taking so much time to share such helpful insights.’ and ‘We are in receipt of your video and your analysis of the piece. After watching the video and taking notes, we feel as if a nurturing dramaturgical Mary Poppins has visited us with wonderful insightful nourishment. It appeared to us that you seemed to really relate to the characters we’ve established and are caught up with their plight and have come up with ways to strengthen them … Your suggestions are invaluable to us and many will be integrated.’

All musicals submitted (at any level) to ANMT by DECEMBER 15 of 2010 will be automatically entered in the Search for New Musicals for next season.

Winners will be announced by next March 15 following the annual deadline. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

For more information on the Search, visit www.anmt.org.

February 8, 2010

True Ghost Story Musical wins Musical Theatre Search

The winner of the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s 2009 Search for New Musicals, Greenbrier Ghost will be presented in concert at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on Monday, February 22nd at 7:30 p.m.

Based on actual events, Greenbrier Ghost is believed to be the only case in America in which a murderer was convicted based on testimony from a ghost. With book by Susan Murray and music & lyrics by Clay Zambo, Greenbrier Ghost will be directed by Douglas Clayton with musical direction by Ed Martel and will feature members of ANMT’s Academy Repertory Company.

This stirring new musical is based on the true story of Zona Heaster Shue, whose murder trial in 1897 marked the only time in judicial history that a conviction was based on evidence by a victim from beyond the grave. And over 100 years later, the battle between proof and faith wages on.

First Prize in the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s Search for New Musicals was the concert reading, preceded by a workshop last spring, and detailed feedback and dramaturgy. “Our goal is to help the authors realize their musical’s potential,” says Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry.

“This reading will be a really important step for us on our way to the show’s first full production this summer at a regional theatre in Connecticut,“ adds Zambo.

ANMT recently received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support ARC’s Colony Concert Reading Series. Greenbrier Ghost, the grant’s first beneficiary, will be performed in concert at the Colony Theater in Burbank on Monday evening February 22nd at 7:30. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10.00. For more info or to purchase tickets online, please visit the ANMT website at http://www.anmt.org/events_reservation_1.asp?EventID=122

January 25, 2010

NOW AND THEN A HERO LAUNCHES DARK NIGHT SERIES

For years, the Academy for New Musical Theatre has been presenting new musicals in concert, and now for the first time is launching a new Dark Night Series of musicals “not quite ready for the limelight” on one Wednesday evening a month at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood.

“Every musical has a beginning,” explains Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “This series explores new musicals even before the beginning — before costumes, before lights, and more importantly…before rewrites.”

The Dark Night Series is designed as an opportunity for writers of new musicals to self-produce readings of their works before producers get a look at them. “The writers are all very excited about this opportunity to get their new musicals in front of an audience during the early stages of development,” says series producer Carla Porter. “Partnering with the Secret Rose Theatre is a great way for writers to hear whether their songs are working, or whether their plot is clear, or whether we root for the characters.”

The first musical in the series is Now and Then a Hero by Larry Todd Johnson and Jake Anthony, to be presented on Wednesday, February 10th. Originally developed by ANMT in partnership with the Colony Theatre, Now and Then a Hero received a first workshop reading at the Colony last summer, and has undergone revisions since that first draft.

“We learned a lot from that first reading,” says composer Jake Anthony. “Based on feedback from that outing, we’ve streamlined the show, removing much of the transitional materials, and we’ve written brand-new opening and closing numbers. We’re eager to see if this simpler, more straightforward approach will help us more effectively reach the audience.”

The Origin of “Now and Then a Hero”

In 1939-1944, the WPA put hundreds of writers to work by commissioning thousands of interviews with ordinary Americans, recording their memories and life histories of the first three decades of the 20th century. The resulting transcriptions are stored in the Library of Congress “American Memories” collection. Many of these interviews share a common thread; many persons who might typically be perceived as ‘ordinary’ have dealt with or faced an extraordinary challenge or task.

The idea behind Now and Then A Hero was to create a series of short musical-monologues and scenes based on the WPA memoirs (and other source materials), each one of which would be followed by a second musical-monologue inspired by the parallel life of a modern American, taken from contemporary headlines. These two characters would be linked primarily by their profession, and by some perceived act of heroism, however big or small. The piece is written for five ethnically diverse actors, each of whom plays one of these “now and then” pairs.

“The concept of heroism has been central to the American culture since the founding of our country… and over the course of the evening, it is our goal to explore some basic questions about it,” says bookwriter/lyricist Larry Todd Johnson. “What is a hero? Can it be defined? Has the definition changed over time? And does everyone… no matter how ‘ordinary’ he or she may appear… have the potential within for heroism?”

The cast for the reading of Now and Then a Hero features Jimmer Bolden, Jennifer Chu, Elise Dewsberry, Ed Martin, and Selah Victor.

Now and Then a Hero takes place on Wednesday, February 10th at 8:30pm at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood. Admission is $10. For more info and to make a reservation, visit Reservation Page

January 20, 2010

Gordon Firemark Elected President of ANMT

Gordon Firemark has been elected to a two-year term as President of the Board of Directors of the Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood.

Firemark has been serving on the Board for the past two years, with an eye towards becoming President this year. He has been spurring the Board and the staff to create strategic plans, and revenue-generating programming, and most recently has been preparing the organization for its imminent transformation from an organization which develops musicals to one which also produces them.

“I’m very proud to step into the presidency in this time of growth,” says Firemark. “This is a non-profit organization with which I’ve been involved for a number of years I hope you’ll investigate ANMT if you’re writing, developing or producing a theatre project.”

Gordon is an entertainment attorney and a producer. He helped the Academy produce the new musical 40 is the New 15 at the Secret Rose Theatre last summer, leading the production to a 157% profit in just six weeks.

Firemark’s private law practice is devoted to the representation of artists, writers, producers and directors in the fields of theater, film, television, and music. He is also the publisher of Entertainment Law Update., a newsletter for artists and professionals in the entertainment industries. His practice also includes intellectual property, cyberspace, new media and business/corporate matters for clients in the entertainment industry.

“We’ve been talking about this moment for a couple of years,” says Scott Guy, The Academy’s Executive Director. “When Gordon and I had our first discussion back in 2005 about various business models which might be useful to our writers and producers, I thought, ‘This guy might make a good President one day!’ We’ve been steadily marching towards this moment ever since. I’m very excited about the leadership which Gordon brings to us. We’re already talking about big, big dreams and plans.”

In the past, Mr. Firemark has served on the Boards of Governors of The Los Angeles Stage Alliance , (the organization responsible for the annual Ovation Awards for excellence in Theater) and the Board of Governors of the Beverly Hills Bar Association , where he served as liaison to the Association’s Entertainment Law Section (of which he is a former chairman).

Mr. Firemark holds a B.A. in Radio, Television and Film from the University of Oregon, and earned his law degree at Southwestern University School of Law. Before opening The Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark, Mr. Firemark was a partner with the Business Affairs Group, a boutique entertainment law firm in Los Angeles. He has also worked in the legal and business affairs departments at Hanna Barbera Productions and the MGM/UA Worldwide Television Group, and started his legal career as an associate at Neville L. Johnson & Associates, a West L.A. firm specializing in entertainment litigation.

January 14, 2010

ANMT WRITERS RECEIVE GLAAD MEDIA AWARD NOMINATION

The Academy for New Musical Theatre is proud to announce that 40 is the New 15, a new musical by Larry Todd Johnson and Cindy O’Connor, has received a 2010 GLAAD Media Award nomination for Outstanding Los Angeles Theatre.

Nominations for the awards were announced in Los Angeles at a press conference and on the GLAAD website.

The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and the issues that affect their lives.

40 is the New 15 explores five characters who are turning 40, and looks back on their lives when they met as high-school freshman at 15. Two of these characters, K.P. (Tod Macofsky) and Robby (Ed Martin) face coming-of-age sexuality issues at 15 that shape their view of the world for the rest of their lives. The ups-and-downs of Robby and K.P.’s relationship is the heart and soul of 40 is the New 15.

40 is the New 15 recently completed a successful developmental run at the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood, produced by the Academy for New Musical Theatre. The production enjoyed sold-out houses throughout its run. There were raves about the “tuneful, clever songs, (and) engrossing storyline,” and critics called it “a diamond in the rough,” “sweetly entertaining,” and “something to sing about.”

“We are proud that this success has come to a new musical that was born in our Full Length Curriculum program and nurtured with a spot in our Concert Reading Series,” says ANMT Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “40 is the New 15 was a natural to be our first developmental production, and we congratulate Larry and Cindy for having their work honored with a GLAAD Media Award nomination.”

For a full list of GLAAD Media Award nominations, visit GLAAD.org at: http://www.glaad.org/mediaawards/21/nominees

December 1, 2009

DECEMBER 15 DEADLINE FOR ANMT SEARCH FOR NEW MUSICALS

Tuesday, December 15th is the submission deadline for the 2010 Search for New Musicals, sponsored by the Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT). The winner of the Search will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company (ARC) in the spring of 2010, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles during the 2010-11 ANMT season.

There is a $100 fee for submitting to the Search, in return for which each entry will receive a 3-5 page script evaluation from an ANMT staff dramaturg. ‘I’ve never received a more cogent and useable evaluation before,’ wrote 2008 applicant Elliott Baker (author of The Tooth Fairy’s Daughter). ‘I’m very comfortable with the critique process but I have never finished reading a critique/evaluation with as much desire and energy to go to work on and polish a piece.’

‘The evaluation was far more in-depth than I expected and seemed to cover all the key aspects of the show. Frankly, I found it more helpful than a staged reading would have been,’ stated Search participant Barbara Campbell (bookwriter/lyricist of The Awakening). ‘This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic ‘nuts and bolts’ than I have ever received to date.’

Writers can submit their shows electronically via ANMT’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form.

ANMT has a development process which has been around for four decades, nurturing musicals through a number of stages, including outlines, rough drafts, table readings and concert readings.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org. ANMT is located at 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, California (91601).

October 19, 2009

At Home In Mitford – One Night Only Concert Reading – Monday, October 26

At Home in Mitford, a new musical based on the popular novel by Jan Karon, will receive a one night only concert reading October 26 at 7:30 pm as part of The Academy for New Musical Theatre’s reading series at The Colony Theatre in Burbank. Written by Cynthia Ferrell (book), Carl Johnson (music) and Chana Wise (lyrics), it tells the story of Father Tim, a cherished small-town rector, and the quirky group of people that live in the town of Mitford, NC. Elise Dewsberry directs and Darin Goulet is musical director.

“We’re honored that Ms. Karon has entrusted her beloved characters to us,” says the Academy’s Executive Director Scott Guy. “Making a musical is always a tricky thing, and we want to make sure we respect her writing and her readers. She has told us she’s very excited about this particular draft — and we’re delighted for the opportunity to present it in concert.”

“At Home in Mitford is about second chances for all,” says bookwriter Cynthia Ferrell, “that it’s never too late to find true love, safety, peace, family.” Adds composer Carl Johnson, “The mythical town of Mitford is a metaphor for Anytown U.S.A. The people and their relationships she writes about could be in any small town in America. I think that part of the appeal of her books is that almost anyone can find something to relate to in her characters and their lives.”

The Colony Theatre is located at 555 North Third Street in Burbank, CA. $10 tickets can be reserved through the ANMT website at www.anmt.org.

September 28, 2009

ANMT Presents Concert Reading of AT HOME IN MITFORD

On Monday, October 26, The Academy for New Musical Theatre will kick off its third season of concert readings at The Colony Theatre in Burbank at 7:30 pm withAt Home in Mitford, a delightful musical based on the popular Mitford series by Jan Karon.

With book by Cynthia Ferrell, lyrics by Chana Wise and music by Carl Johnson, At Home in Mitford is the story of Father Tim, a cherished small-town rector, and the eclectic group of people that make up the town of Mitford, North Carolina - an American village where ‘the grass is still green, the pickets are still white, and the air still smells sweet. The rector’s forthright secretary, Emma Garret, worries about her employer, as she sees past his Christian cheerfulness into his aching loneliness. Slowly but surely, the empty places in Father Tim’s heart do get filled. First with a gangly stray dog, later with a seemingly stray boy, and finally with the realization that he is stumbling into love with his independent and Christian-wise next-door neighbor. Much more than a gentle love story, this is a homespun tale about a town of endearing characters- including a mysterious jewel thief–who are as quirky and popular as those of Mayberry, R.F.D.’ –Gail Hudson, Amazon.com

“The characters Jan Karon created in her novel, At Home in Mitford, are memorable and lovable and dimensional – and I think they’ve been dying to sing!” said lyricist, Chana Wise. Adds bookwriter, Cynthia Ferrell, “Tim’s complicated relationships with people are reflected in his complicated relationship with food. The problem nearly kills him. It’s a universal theme. Casseroles, side dishes, cake recipes - the line of food stretches from one end of the script to the other. Overall, it’s probably best to eat before you show up.”

At Home in Mitford will feature the members of the Academy Repertory Company (ARC) – the elite ensemble of sight-singing and cold-reading actors in residence at The Academy for New Musical Theatre along with ARC’s musical director, Darin Goulet.

“I’m very honored that ANMT is going to include At Home in Mitford in their Concert Reading series” says composer, Carl Johnson. “I feel that although the book is known mostly as a religious or inspirational novel, the characters and situations in the book should be familiar to almost everyone.”

The Colony Theatre is located at 555 North Third Street in Burbank, CA. $10 tickets can be reserved through the ANMT website at www.anmt.org

September 14, 2009

Festival of New Musicals at UC Irvine

A weekend of original musical theatre will take place Fri., Sept. 18 through Sun., Sept. 20 at UC Irvine’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts. Staged readings of two original musicals will launch the first of what will become an annual New Musical Theatre Festival.

“It’s one thing to put on a tried-and-true Rogers & Hammerstein classic like Oklahoma or South Pacific. Just about everyone has seen them – they’ve been around for generations and have been staged from Broadway to almost every dinner theatre from Pittsburgh to Pasadena,” said Dr. Daniel Gary Busby, professor of UCI’s celebrated drama department.

“It’s quite another to develop new musicals – originals, from the first word all the way through to full production – and that’s the journey the drama department of the Claire Trevor School of the Arts has embarked on,” he added.

By forming an alliance with the Los Angeles-based Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT), a 30-year-old creative incubator, CTSA hopes to become the new spawning ground for the classic musicals of tomorrow.

The plan, hatched by Busby and ANMT executive director Scott Guy after serving together on a professional panel, is to create new art and, by doing so, get the opportunity to sculpt what Broadway looks like five or 10 years down the road.

“The University should be a place where this art form is being created,” said Busby. “The goal is to raise CTSA’s profile by creating a niche for ourselves, which in turn results in attracting better drama students and building a larger and broader audience base for all of our performances.”

The plays will be written by ANMT professional writers, composers, and lyricists. They will be performed, designed and directed by CTSA students and faculty.

“With a new bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theatre being offered through the drama department – and with our alumni starring in Broadway, off-Broadway and several national productions – the UC Irvine drama department is uniquely positioned to impact the future of American musical theatre,” said Busby.

Two original musicals were selected earlier in the year and were put through table readings and the workshop process. The months-long procedure will culminate with staged readings on Friday, Sept. 18, Saturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20 – a weekend-long celebration to launch what Busby hopes will become an annual event.

July 6, 2009

It Took 40 Years, but They’re Finally Producing a Musical

The 40-year-old Writers’ Workshop at the Academy for New Musical Theatre has finally grown up. After four decades of developing musicals for theatres, they’re producing one on the mainstage.

For a six-week run on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 p.m. beginning July 22nd at the Secret Rose Theatre at 11246 Magnolia in North Hollywood, the Academy will produce the new musical 40 is the New 15, book and lyrics by Larry Todd Johnson, and music by Cindy O’Connor.

Why this musical? Why produce now, after 40 years, in this economic climate of all times?

‘We’ve been wanting to produce for a number of years now,’ explains Executive Director Scott Guy, ‘We’re going to continue the writers’ workshop which began back in the 60’s, but we re-incorporated in 2002 in order to become a producer ourselves. We’ve been training a staff and building an infrastructure and audience base to make sure that we’re ready for our first production!’

Guy produced theatre in Chicago for many years, and produced television in Los Angeles before becoming the Academy’s Executive Director. He knew that producing theatre is a risky business even in the best of times, and could not afford to put the Academy in any financial risk. So he announced a bold, attention-getting campaign: selling the tickets in advance, before opening night!

‘We knew we could not afford to lose money on a production,’ says Guy, ‘so we went to all our friends and members, and said ‘If you’ll buy enough tickets in advance, we can commit to this production. If we don’t sell enough tickets, we won’t produce the show; it’s that simple.’ Guy’s approach worked like gangbusters. The Academy’s friends rallied to the cause. The first performances are already sold out, and the Academy’s sold enough tickets to cover the cost of the entire production.

‘We’re grateful and astonished at the outpouring of support from our friends,’ says the Academy’s Associate Artistic Director, Elise Dewsberry. ‘It shows us that a lot of folks want us to succeed as producers of new musicals. It’s very encouraging; we’ve been producing in concert for a couple of seasons now, and our audience has come to trust our taste and our quality programming. We couldn’t have done this without them, obviously.’

40 is the New 15 follows the lives of some fortysomethings who look back to their innocent days in high school, when they all dreamed of becoming successes at 40. A wannabe neurosurgeon, a teen gymnast phenom, a computer geek, an all-too-All-American baseball fan, and a starry-eyed musical theatre fan…all grow up to be…well, 40-year-olds.

Bookwriter Larry Todd Johnson explains that ‘We’re examining whether we would make the same decisions, if we knew then what we know now. Cindy and I are fascinated by how inevitable some of our life-choices seem, in retrospect. There are certain moments in our lives which determine who we are, indelibly. We find that wonderful, funny, and a little terrifying all at once. Can understanding this help us get past it? That’s what this musical is all about.’

‘I love the fact that I get to write music for these characters in two completely different time periods. In Act 1 they’re teenagers in the 80’s, and the songs have a youthful 80’s pop flavor. In Act 2 they’re older, life is more complicated, and their songs get more complex and diverse in style. It really reflects what’s happened to my generation, and to me, since the 80’s.’

The authors are both 40, and knew each other when they were teenagers. ‘We didn’t start writing together until we were young adults,’ says O’Connor, ‘but we’ve been successful writing as a team for twenty years. A lot of silly murder mysteries, yes, but some very serious works as well.’ Johnson and O’Connor’s All That He Was won the Kennedy Center National Student Playwriting Award and the KC/ACTF Musical Theatre Award.

40 is the New 15 was originally developed in the Academy’s workshop, but subsequently caught the eye of Academy staff, who supported it with several presentations at the Academy and in the Concert Reading Series at the Colony Theatre. John Sparks, the Academy’s venerable Artistic Director, included it in his Monday Night Reading Series at Theatre Building Chicago.

The musical is directed by Michele Spears, with a cast which features Taji Coleman as Winter, Tod Macofsky as Kevin, Ed Martin as Robby, Kevin Noonchester as Oren, and Angela Wolcott as Sarah.

The Academy thought that Bonnie and Clyde was going to be its first production, and began raising funds for it, but then the golden opportunity for 40 is the New 15 came up when Mike Rademaekers from the Secret Rose Theatre in North Hollywood approached the Academy with an ideal six-week summer time slot, and Scott Guy jumped at the chance.

‘We develop musicals from September through June,’ Guy explains, ‘July and August are our only real chance right now to focus on production. Last summer we produced a national Conference on the Biz of the Musical Theatre Biz, and the summer before that we were swamped producing a Festival of New Musicals with Theatre League. So when Mike mentioned this possibility, I knew we had to move fast. We had exactly 14 days to announce our plans and sell enough tickets to cover our budget. We had until noon on Friday June 12th to tell Mike we’d book the Secret Rose Theatre. We were 13 tickets shy of our budget by noon, and we thought, ‘Let’s risk it!’ The Academy has subsequently sold plenty more tickets and is now looking at the possibility of selling out the entire run.

‘What a start as producers!’ Guy muses. ‘We wish every production will go as smoothly as this one!’

40 is the New 15 will be performed at the Secret Rose Theatre on Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 8:30 p.m. from July 22nd through August 27th at the Secret Rose Theatre at 11246 Magnolia in North Hollywood. Reservations can be made at www.anmt.org.

June 9, 2009

ANMT Writers’ Showcase

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) will present their Writers’ Showcase on June 23rd and 25th at the Colony Theatre. This event will feature various works written during the Academy’s writers’ workshops over the 2008/2009 season. Excerpts are taken from musicals written in the Full-Length Curriculum, the General Workshop, Internet musicals, 15-second musicals, and highlights from developing shows.

‘I always love when we get to show off our writers to the public!’ says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Associate Artistic Director. ‘The writers have created so many wonderful shows this year, it’s been agony selecting only 45 minutes to showcase. We could’ve done a showcase three times as long this year!’

‘We’ve been working the writers and their shows really hard all season long, in the privacy and security of our own workshop. It’s really great to see the shows and writers grow month after month,’ says Scott Guy, ANMT’s Executive Director. ‘The Showcase is a public way for us to show-off a little.’

Hillary Rollins, one of the writers of Aging Out and Got Milk, describes her experience: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to present these pieces to a larger audience! As much as I love creating a new musical, I confess there’s nothing better than hearing an audience laugh!’

Works scheduled to be featured include: We Polish and We Scrub from Twelve Pound Look by Jeffrey Scharf and Ross Kalling; It’s a Simple Operation from No More Mr. Nice Guy by Harriet Belkin and Beverly Crain; I Keep Expecting You from Monkey Mind by Terri Weiss, Bill Berry and Edward Auslender; Ratchel Wittick from Ghosts of Stowell Hill by Charles Ives and Scott Guy; Give Me Someone to Love and The Prying Eyes of God from The Good People of Sodom and Gomorrah by Chris Smith, Ross Kalling and Brad Beaver; A Flirtation from Wanting Miss Julie by John Sparks, Jake Anthony, and Patricia Zehentmayr; Long Time Ago from Windjammers by Robin Share and Clay Zambo; Roof Beneath My Head from Aging Out by Tara Redpenning, Hillary Rollins, and Darin Goulet; Cuz I’m Dumb from E-$cape: a Cybermusical by Scott Guy and Nick DeGregorio; India and Elsie the Borden Cow from Got Milk by Hillary Rollings, Kellen Blair, and Bill Johnson; the title tune from The Customer is Always Right by Kellen Blair and Bill Johnson; Oral Speaks from Threads by John Piraino and Jerry Ranger; Rodent’s Rally from Rapunzel by Brian Leader and Alison McGarry; Freckles from At Home in Mitford by Cynthia Ferrel, Chana Wise, and Carl Johnson; Happy Ending from Shoe by CJ Ver Burg and Jerry Ranger; All About The Timing from The Coffee Quintet by Carl Johnson and Chana Wise. The writers’ 15-second musicals will also be presented.

This showcase will comprise the second half of the evening. Three 15-minute musicals, entitled The Promise and the Price, written by members of the Academy’s Core Curriculum will be presented first.

Tickets are on sale now for the evenings of June 23rd and 25th at www.anmt.org under The Promise and The Price.

June 9, 2009

Perpetual Surrey: World Premiere of the New Theatrichorale

Perpetual Surrey: a Theatrichorale, led by music director and conductor Jake Anthony, will hold its world premiere concerts on June 22nd and 24th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank.

Perpetual Surrey is dedicated to singing and performing theatrical choral music. Repertoire comes from musical theatre, opera, dramatic and comic concert works, and new pieces. The inaugural season includes many original works, selections from The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Children of Eden, Songs for a New World, some good ol’ fashioned Gilbert and Sullivan, Aaron Copland, a world premiere from a brand-new musical called Now and Then a Hero, and other surprise performances.

‘As a Music Director in the course of a show, there is always a frenetic rush to get ensemble numbers learned very quickly so that they can be put on their feet as soon as possible. Oftentimes, you wind up drilling notes, and slapping on musical band-aids,’ says Anthony. ‘In Perpetual Surrey rehearsal, it’s extremely satisfying to be able to make music out of these pieces, to play with texture and dynamic, to coax out all the rich detail the composer has given us!’

The chorale members take to this approach. Says one member, ‘As an actress, I sometimes feel at a loss in approaching choral music in regard to character and situation. But with the music in Perpetual Surrey, I feel like I’m right in my acting element! I’m so thankful for Jake’s synopses and discussions

June 8, 2009

ANMT presents annual 15 Minute Musicals at the Colony Theatre

The Academy for New Musical Theatre will present its annual 15-minute musicals at the Colony Theatre from June 22 through 25. These evenings are an annual highlight of the Academy’s yearlong season of developing new musicals and feature many new voices in musical theatre. Every seat in the house usually sells out.

This year two teams of writers and actors are involved in developing seven new musicals. The Red Team will present four 15 minute musicals with performances on Monday, June 22 and Wednesday, June 24. The Blue Team will present three 15 minute musicals with performances on Tuesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 25.

‘This year’s theme is The Promise and the Price: seven 15-minute musicals about heroes and traitors,’ explains Elise Dewsberry, ANMT’s Associate Artistic Director. ‘Writers have chosen wildly different approaches to this theme: Superman on trial, a jilted 50-year-old bride, an emotional high school reunion, the conflicted young wife of an Iraqi veteran, a to-the-death feud between superhero families, a sit-in against Bank of America, and zombies in love!’

The Red Team’s four new musicals on June 22 and 24 will be: Hired Hands (book by Larry Gene Fortin, music and lyrics by Peter Alexander); Zombie Love (book by Narda Fargotstein, music and lyrics by Clifford J. Tasner); The Ring (book and lyrics by Eric Dodson, music by Alan Ross Fleishman); and The Battle Between Good and Evil (book by Michael Greenspun, music by Jerry T. Fernandez, lyrics by Mitchell Glaser). The Red Team musicals will be performed by Carolyn Freeman Champ, Megan Crockett, Tara Hunnewell, Sylvin Janson, and Kevin Noonchester, and directed by Elise Dewsberry.

The Blue Team’s three new musicals on June 23 and 25 will be: Standing Up (book by Paul Elliott, music by Joseph Blodgett, lyrics by Larry Todd Johnson); The Veteran’s Wife (book by Adrian Bewley, music and lyrics by Scotty Arnold); and The People v. Superman (book by Frank Mula, music by Edward Auslender, lyrics by Glenn Johnson and Frank Mula). The Blue Team musicals will be performed by Kellan Christopher, Kelly Lester, Paul Marchegiani, Dana Shaw, and Heather Stewart, and directed by Scott Guy.

Musical director for all seven new 15 Minute Musicals will be Jake Anthony. Stage Manager for all four evenings is Rita Cofield.

Tickets are $25 per evening, or only $40 for any combination of a Red Team performance [Monday or Wednesday] and Blue Team performance [Tuesday or Thursday]. For more information, and to make reservations, visit www.anmt.org and click on THE PROMISE AND THE PRICE.

April 16, 2009

ANMT Launches New Musical Theatre Curriculum

For years and years, the first collaboration for composers and lyricists in the Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop was a ballad for The Elephant Man: the Musical and before that, the first collaboration was a ballad for A Streetcar Named Desire. Not any more.

For only the second time in its 41 year history, the texts are changing in the Writers’ Workshop.

‘The musical’s changed in the past two decades, and we’re changing with it,’ says John Sparks, who has run the writers’ workshop for the past 26 years, having taken over the reins from its original founder, Lehman Engel. ‘Time was that the musical was most often about optimism, and there were bouncy, charming songs everywhere you looked. But today, that optimism is old-fashioned.’

Sparks observes that although there are plenty of musicals being fashioned on the classic, traditional models, there’s a growing trend toward musicals which reflect a less optimistic view of the world. ‘I’m not exactly sure what to call it — these shows are about people NOT getting what they want, which is different from the way it used to be. These shows are about loss, or disappointment, or lost opportunities. We need to acknowledge that impulse, and adjust the way we approach musicals.’

In the Core Curriculum, composers, bookwriters and lyricists are matched together in different teams each month, and each month write a song or a scene based on an assigned text.

The curriculum will still study some classic models, and give writers and composers the opportunity to create traditional musicals, which feature timeless ballads, charm songs, comedy songs and musical scenes, but there will be a new focus on the Musical of Today and the Musical of the Future. There will be at least unit devoted to the new ‘I didn’t get what I want’ song which Sparks hasn’t found a name for.

Sparks has chosen texts from contemporary Pulitzer Prize and Obie Award Winners on which to base the assignments in the curriculum. Texts include Topdog/Underdog by Suzan Lori-Parks, Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire, Proof by David Auburn, Doubt: a Parable by John Patrick Shanley, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? by Edward Albee, The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane and Anna in the Tropics by Nilo Cruz.
‘We’re very excited about re-invigorating not only the Core Curriculum, but musical theatre,’ says ANMT’s Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. ‘Our hope is to help guide our writers to audiences in the future, not only on the stage, but on film, television and the internet. There’s a future for musical theatre on the internet, and we intend to be a big part of it.’

So what play has replaced The Elephant Man and Streetcar? It’s Rabbit Hole, the Pulitzer Prize winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire, about a family coping with the accidental death of a young son.

You can apply online to join the Core Curriculum for the 2009-2010 season; you’ll need some writing samples and a $60 deposit. Composers submit three samples of songs with piano/vocal scores; lyricists submit three samples of lyrics; and bookwriters submit two 10-page samples, preferably from plays.

The Core Curriculum meets one weekend per month from September to June, culminating in intense 15 minute musical projects which the Academy presents in a professional theatre in June. Applications can be made online or by regular mail. To apply, CLICK HERE.

April 6, 2009

Winner of 2008 Search for New Musicals to be presented in concert

The winner of the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s 2008 Search for New Musicals is The Water, with book by Tim Werenko and Jeff Hylton, music by Georgia Stitt, and lyrics by Jeff Hylton. It will be presented in concert at the Colony Theatre on Monday evening April 27th at 7:30 p.m.

The Water tells the story of a small Missouri town that survives a flood and examines what it takes for a community to rebuild its buildings, its relationships, and its unique sense of home. The story and characters are fictitious, but inspired by real events which happen in the Midwest every year.

‘I had been interested in writing about the ideas of home and community. What makes a place special, so special that you choose to rebuild after a tragedy rather than leaving?’ says The Water composer Georgia Stitt. ‘Jeff and I have attempted to write a score that captures that sense of place, of belonging, and also deeply explores the passions of these people and their relationships with the water that both feeds and destroys their livelihoods. I have worked to write music that is full of both character and emotion, and I think Jeff and Tim have managed to do that in the script, as well. The show is funny, heartwarming, and achingly tragic. This is a particularly American story, and since we started writing it we have lived through September 11th in New York City and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. As timely as ever, The Water is a show about moving on.’

‘Having lived in a flood zone, the idea of people living with the possibility of disaster every day became a reality when I was personally flooded out,’ says bookwriter Tim Werenko. ‘The idea of potential tragedy became all too real for the whole world on September 11th. You only need to drive through your town and look at the For Sale signs to see how homes can be lost without a flood, tornado, or hurricane. Yet, when I work on this show, I see how these things can bring out the best in people. They can find a courage they might have forgotten. They come together. They inspire each other. By collectively sharing the worst of times together, they bring out the best in each other.’

First Prize in the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s Search for New Musicals was the concert reading, preceded by a workshop last spring, and detailed feedback and dramaturgy. ‘Our goal is to help the authors realize their musical’s potential,’ says Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. ‘The Water deals with some big issues, and we saw in the early draft a lot of potential for a powerful, theatrical experience. We can’t wait to see what they’ve done with the musical since we saw it last!’

Scheduled to appear in the cast are Vicki Lewis (Film: Finding Nemo; Broadway: Damn Yankees; Television: series regular on NewsRadio), Michael Arden (who appeared in the title role of the Center Theatre Group’s recent production of Pippin), Jeremy Kocal (currently appearing in Wicked in San Francisco) and other Southern California musical theatre stars including Dan Callaway, Julie Garnye, Tim Gulan and Steven Hack, and members of the Academy Repertory Company.

The Water will be performed in concert at the Colony Theater in Burbank on Monday evening April 27th at 7:30. Tickets are $10 and will go on sale April 1st. Reservations can be made at www.anmt.org.

March 30, 2009

UC/Irvine and ANMT partner to develop new musicals

The Drama Department at the University of California Irvine is partnering with the Academy for New Musical Theatre to create new musicals.

The Academy will supply writers, composers, and dramaturgs, and the University will provide directors, facilities, and students. Each musical will be developed in workshop at the Academy, and then presented in concert format at the University. The goal is for some of the musicals to make it to production, perhaps as early as 2010.

The first two musicals out of the starting block are Aging Out, which focuses on foster care kids who are abandoned by the state support system on their 18th birthday, and e-$cape: a cybermusical, inspired by real events in which a social network virtual world spins out of its creator’s control and bloodthirsty game players come after him, seeking money, revenge…and someone to blame.

‘This is a perfect opportunity for our faculty and students,’ says department chair Eli Simon, ‘We lead our students to explore new works, shape the future, and rise up to become the next generation of leading theatre artists. Our collaboration with the Academy for New Musical Theatre could not be more compelling in this regard. The opportunity to create new musicals from scratch is exciting, especially when the musicals we engage in are relevant and stimulating to graduate and undergraduate students alike.’

Early workshops of the first two musicals took place in January at the Academy in North Hollywood featuring professional actors who are members of the Academy Repertory Company. The next phase will be some closed table readings with faculty from both the University and the Academy. Then beginning in May, students will start to take part in readings and workshops, culminating in concert presentations on the Irvine campus September 18, 19 and 20.

‘This is a very exciting partnership,’ says the Academy’s Artistic Director John Sparks, ‘It is an extraordinary opportunity to create artistic but relevant new works for a younger generation of audiences. We are thrilled at the inspiration this affords writers and composers.’

The Academy for New Musical Theatre offers one of only three professional programs in the U.S. for writers, composers and actors in musical theatre. In the past four years they’ve developed over 50 musicals for producers and theatre companies across the U.S.

‘We’re hoping this will be an annual collaboration, with some works in development, some in concert, and some in performance,’ says Simon. ‘We’ve already begun preliminary discussions for musicals for production in 2012-13. We’re hoping to foster a steady stream of works that are in process throughout each academic year.’

Aging Out is scheduled for two performances in concert at the Winnifred Smith Concert Hall on September 19th at 8:00p.m. and September 20th at 5:00p.m. The book and lyrics are by Hillary Rollins and Tara Redepenning, with music by Darin Goulet.

e-$cape: a cybermusical is scheduled for performances at the Winnifred Smith Concert Hall on September 18th at 8:00p.m. and September 20th at 8:00p.m. The book and lyrics are by Scott Guy, and the music is by Nick DeGregorio.

Audience feedback is a crucial component of developing new work. To this end, there will be discussions held after each performance.

Tickets will be $6 for a single ticket, $10 admission to both musicals.

For more information about performances, contact the Department of Drama at UC/Irivne.

For more information about the Academy, or its process of developing musicals, please visit www.anmt.org.

March 24, 2009

Stephen Sondheim Webcast: – Only Until April 1

There is only one week left of a 30-day March-only discount special for the webcast of ANMT’s ‘Salon with Stephen Sondheim.’

In honor of Mr. Sondheim’s 79th birthday, the $40 webcast is being offered at the special price of $14.95, with all proceeds shared equally between ANMT and Mr. Sondheim’s personal charity Young Playwrights, Inc.

The original event, ‘A Salon with Stephen Sondheim,’ a seminar presented by the Academy for New Musical Theatre, on March 13, 2008, sold out less than three minutes after tickets went on sale in February of 2008. Tickets went on sale online for the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s salon with musical theatre’s legend at 10:00 a.m., and were sold out by 10:03. A waiting list as long as the reservation list was complete by 10:10 a.m.

‘Stephen Sondheim is the rock star of the musical theatre world,’ said Scott Guy, the Academy’s Executive Director. ‘We knew he was revered, of course, but we weren’t prepared for such an enormous response.’

Mr. Sondheim has generously agreed to allow a webcast of the salon to be broadcast via the Academy’s website, www.anmt.tv. Fifty precent of the proceeds from this video go directly to Mr. Sondheim’s personal charity, Young Playwrights, Inc. The remainder of the proceeds go to the not-for-profit Academy for New Musical Theatre.

In a fascinating one-hour video from that Salon, Mr. Sondheim discusses his approach to the craft of writing for musical theatre, followed by a Q&A session. The session includes questions from composers, writers and producers of original musical theatre, including Steve Cuden (co-creator of Broadway’s Jekyll and Hyde), Calvin Ramsberg (Sweeney Todd’s Beadle Bamford) and Steven Banks, the Head Writer of Sponge Bob Square Pants.

‘Our Salons are very intimate ‘insider’ events,’ says ANMT’s Executive Director Scott Guy. ‘Part of the reason we’re able to attract such wonderful guests is that our events are small, casual affairs.’

Salon guests in the past have included Winnie Holzman (Wicked), Jeff Marx (Avenue Q), Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years), Marty Panzer (Barry Manilow’s lyricist) and Arthur Kopit (Nine). ‘But Sondheim has trumped them all. His tickets sold like a rock concert.’

The Salon was eventually moved to the larger Colony Theatre, where it again sold out. ‘It was one of the most wonderful, magical, unforgettable afternoons of my life,’ says the Colony Theatre’s Artistic Director, Barbara Beckley. ‘We were honored and awed to host this event.’
The Sondheim webcast is available for viewing at the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s website: www.anmt.tv. To receive the discount price of $14.95, enter the special Promo Code ‘YP09’. But hurry, the webcase will be removed on April 1!

March 16, 2009

Winners of ANMT’s 2009 Search for New Musicals

The Academy for New Musical Theatre is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2009 Search for New Musicals.

First Prize goes to Greenbrier Ghost, book by Susan Murray, lyrics & music by Clay Zambo. Second Prize goes to Emerald, book & lyrics by Chris Burgess, music by Denise Wright. Third prize goes to Dula, book by Paul Elliott, music by Jeanie Cunningham, lyrics by Cunningham & Elliott. Special Merit goes to Girl Detective, book & lyrics by Alan Gordon, music by Mark Sutton-Smith.

Greenbrier Ghost, in which a dead woman’s ghost comes back from the grave to accuse her husband of her murder, will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company in May of 2009, and a concert reading as part of the 2009-10 Concert Reading Series at the Colony Theatre in Burbank.

Emerald tells the story of an Irish-American woman who returns to the land of her ancestors, only to find herself haunted by the famed Black Pig. Emerald will receive an ANMT staff table reading and feedback session in May of 2009.

Dula is a fresh look at the story behind the infamous ballad of Tom Dooley and will receive an ANMT Analysis.

Said one very satisfied entrant about the Search, ‘I would say that the work that you are doing is the most helpful I have ever received from any arts organization. I only wish that more organizations were able to do as much for the field of musical theater. I think that your entire approach is great, serving a wide number of artists at many different levels in their careers. An incredible process really.’

‘ANMT is committed to an ongoing search to find and nurture promising new musical theatre,’ says Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Associate Artistic Director. ‘If you’ve written a musical, and you would like some honest, constructive, detailed feedback on how to make your musical better, you can submit your musical to ANMT for dramaturgical feedback at levels from evaluation to analysis to table reading to workshop to concert reading.’

All musicals submitted (at any level) to ANMT by December 15 of 2009 will also be entered into the Search for New Musicals for next season. Winners will be announced by March 15 following the annual deadline. The winner of the Search receives a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles.

For more information about the Academy, or its process of developing musicals, please visit www.anmt.org.

March 1, 2009

ANMT Presents Concert Reading of BONNIE & CLYDE

On Friday, March 13, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will present a concert reading of the musical Bonnie & Clyde: A Folktale, at the Colony Theater in Burbank at 7:30pm.
The musical, penned by Broadway’s Hunter Foster (star of Urinetown, Little Shop of Horrors) and Rick Crom (star of Urinetown, The Goodbye Girl, Footloose) is a comic retelling of the well-known story. Bonnie and Clyde’s sold-out run at the 2008 New York Musical Theatre Festival won the festival’s top honor: ‘Most Promising New Musical.’ The New York Times calls it ‘The one show [in the Festival] that could hold its own in a transfer!’ The musical’s hallmark is its sly honky-tonk music, sharp dialogue, and a J. Edgar Hoover you’ll never forget.
‘We’re thrilled to be working with Hunter and Rick on this show,’ says ANMT Executive Director Scott Guy. ‘Producers are busy planning the world premiere production of this draft, and we’re proud to be able to present it here in Los Angeles first.’
The Academy for New Musical Theatre began working with the writers on Bonnie and Clyde almost two years ago, hosting a developmental workshop, and then a concert reading of the pre-Festival draft last spring. ANMT received an ASCAP Foundation Irving Ceaser Fund grant through the National Alliance for New Musical Theatre to support the writers in making post-NYMF revisions to ready the script for a full production.
‘Hunter and Rick have been very responsive to our input on the show,’ says ANMT dramaturg and Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. ‘It’s been a great partnership, and we’re very proud of the evolution of this clever and touching musical.’
Bonnie and Clyde: A Folktale will feature local favorite Kirsten Chandler (The Marvelous Wonderettes) and Broadway’s Reed Armstrong (Phantom of the Opera,

January 29, 2009

ANMT Creates New Musicals from Scratch – the Process Revealed

On Monday, February 9th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will present Got Musical!, a sneak preview of seven brand-new musicals in development for producers across the country, giving an insight into the Academy’s process for creating new musicals from scratch specifically for producers and theatre companies.

Musicals currently in development which will be showcased at this event include a traditional musical based on a classic Shaw play, a goofy all-cow revue, a cutting-edge cyberspace musical, an experimental take on an Ibsen play, and an enchanted evening based on tales of the Great Lakes shipping industry, among others.

‘You don’t have to be in Los Angeles to benefit from our process,’ says ANMT Executive Director Scott Guy. ‘Weʼve developed many shows long-distance utilizing internet technology and our digital equipment, including shows with writers based in London and Berlin.’ One of these ‘long-distance’ shows is Miss Vulcan 1939 which the Academy developed for the Red Mountain Theatre in Birmingham, Alabama. ‘Red Mountain was so happy with that process that they have produced that show two years in a row,’ says Guy, ‘and they’re planning to remount it again next year.’

Guy explains that the ANMT development process is fairly simple: the producer generates or approves an idea; the creative team creates a paragraph-sized version, then a half-dozen-page version, and eventually a 15-minute first pass. At this point, the producer either shuts down the project, or agrees to produce a public reading of the work. If a producer approves of the project after the first 15-minute pass, the Academy supports table readings and workshops of the work, nurturing it through first draft. Then, the producer produces a public reading of the work at his expense. After the producer has fulfilled his obligation by producing the reading, he is under no obligation to produce the musical; but if he does produce the musical, the Academy expects the producer to do so under terms approved by the Dramatists Guild.
‘We’ve found this to be a win-win situation for the writer and for the producer,’ says Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, ‘and we’re excited to share this funny, artful and stimulating evening and showing off our innovative business model for developing new musicals for independent producers and theatre companies.’

Got Musical! takes place at 7:30pm on Monday, February 9th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank. Tickets are $10. For more information, and to make a reservation, please visit www.anmt.org and click on Got Musical!

January 29, 2009

ANMT to Host a Salon with Composer Richard Sherman

Friday evening, February 6, Richard Sherman will host an informal salon at the Academy for New Musical Theatre. Richard will talk about his creative process and share some inside stories about the creation of some of his shows and songs.
The Salon is the latest in the Academy’s prestigious series featuring such musical theatre luminaries as Stephen Sondheim, Jason Robert Brown, Jeff Marx, Winnie Holzman, Arthur Kopit and Marty Panzer.

‘We’re honored to host one of the greatest and most beloved songwriters of all time,’ says Executive Director Scott Guy, ‘I mean — Richard Sherman wrote Mary Poppins — how supercalifraglistic is that!’

Richard will speak a little about his creative process, and show some private behind-the-scenes DVD footage of Mary Poppins, and then he’ll open up the salon for questions from the audience. Generally, the Q&A section of the Academy’s salons are allotted a generous hour, so many audience members get a chance to talk directly to Mr. Sherman.

‘The Q&A is my favorite part of the salons,’ says Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, ‘Because the salons are so intimate, we’ve found that our guests share ideas and stories with us they might not share in a more public setting. And Richard has already been so warm and wonderful and generous to us. We can’t wait!’

Richard and his brother Robert began their songwriting career at Disney, where they wrote what is perhaps their most well loved song: It’s A Small World (After All), for the New York World’s Fair in 1964. Since then, Small World has become the most translated and performed song on earth.

Robert and Richard’s first non-Disney assignment came with Albert R. Broccoli’s motion picture production Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which garnered the brothers their third Academy Award Nomination.

Their numerous other Disney and Non-Disney top box office film credits include The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, The Parent Trap, Charlotte’s Web, The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh, Snoopy Come Home, Bedknobs And Broomsticks and Little Nemo: Adventures In Slumberland.

Outside of the motion picture realm, their Tony nominated smash hit, Over Here! (1974) was the biggest grossing original Broadway Musical of that year. The Sherman Brothers have also written numerous top selling songs including You’re Sixteen which holds the distinction of reaching Billboard’s #1 spot twice; first with Johnny Burnette in 1960 and then with Ringo Starr fourteen years later. Other top-ten hits include, Pineapple Princess, Let’s Get Together and more.

In 2000 the Sherman Brothers wrote the song score for Disney’s blockbuster film: The Tigger Movie. This film marked the brother’s first major motion picture for the Disney company in over twenty eight years.

In 2002, Chitty hit the London stage and received rave revues. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Stage Musical as the most successful stage show ever produced at the London Palladium. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang opened on Broadway in 2005. The Sherman Brothers wrote an additional six songs specifically for the new stage productions.
The second half of the salon will be a question and answer session. The salon is limited to 80 participants.

The salon will take place at ANMT, 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, on Friday, February 6 at 8:00pm. Tickets are $35. For more information, and to make reservations, visit the ANMT website at www.anmt.org.

January 21, 2009

Want to Produce Your Show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival?

On Sunday, February 1st, international musical theatre producer Michael Blaha is hosting a one-day seminar entitled How to Produce Your Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe. This information-packed seminar with producer/attorney Michael Blaha will focus on what writers and producers need to know to produce a show at the infamous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Michael Blaha, the founder of Fringe Management, LLC, has produced over 20 shows at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe over the past eight years, including the Fringe First Award winner runt, the Perrier Best New Comedy nominee Sabotage, and Harry Shearer of The Simpsons and This Is Spinal Tap fame. Mr. Blaha will offer practical advice about producing shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, including a discussion of the best venues, budgets, and marketing strategies.

‘Location, location, location!’ says Blaha, ‘That’s the key to success at the Festival. Some wonderful shows shoot themselves in the foot by producing in the wrong theatre. You can make a huge splash with your show and sometimes even make some money and launch a franchise at Edinburgh, but it all starts with knowing how to make sure the crowd can find you.’

The Edinburgh Festival has grown in the past two decades from a small fringe festival to an enormous international event with over 2000 performances. The Festival has launched many many shows and many more careers, and Mr. Blaha can guide an enterprising producer to increase the chances for success.

‘There’s always going to be some luck involved,’ says Blaha, ‘But you can help things along with some savvy marketing and smart planning…and booking the right venue.’

The seminar will take place Sunday, February 1 from 4-6pm at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood. $10. Tickets are now on sale - to make a reservation, visit www.anmt.org and click on the link for EDINBURGH FRINGE SEMINAR.

December 16, 2008

Perpetual Surrey: A Musical Chorale? A Theatrical Chorus?

Perpetual Surrey: a Theatrichorale, led by music director and conductor Jake Anthony, will hold its world premiere concerts on June 22nd and 24th at the Colony Theatre in Burbank.

Perpetual Surrey is dedicated to singing and performing theatrical choral music. Repertoire comes from musical theatre, opera, dramatic and comic concert works, and new pieces. The inaugural season includes many original works, selections from The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Children of Eden, Songs for a New World, some good ol’ fashioned Gilbert and Sullivan, Aaron Copland, a world premiere from a brand-new musical called Now and Then a Hero, and other surprise performances.

‘As a Music Director in the course of a show, there is always a frenetic rush to get ensemble numbers learned very quickly so that they can be put on their feet as soon as possible. Oftentimes, you wind up drilling notes, and slapping on musical band-aids,’ says Anthony. ‘In Perpetual Surrey rehearsal, it’s extremely satisfying to be able to make music out of these pieces, to play with texture and dynamic, to coax out all the rich detail the composer has given us!’

The chorale members take to this approach. Says one member, ‘As an actress, I sometimes feel at a loss in approaching choral music in regard to character and situation. But with the music in Perpetual Surrey, I feel like I’m right in my acting element! I’m so thankful for Jake’s synopses and discussions—what has happened before, the song moment –I’ve never felt this connected to my words in a choir before!’

‘As a composer, the Perpetual Surrey is the best education I can imagine getting for learning about choral writing,’ says PS member Sandy Shanin. ‘There’s nothing like looking at the music and listening to the voice qualities of the singers. Then I can come home and play the accompaniment on the piano. I’m learning what works, and what, well — not so much. Jake Anthony’s attention to detail, his knowledge and his humor make the whole experience so enriching and so much fun.’

The inaugural concerts of Perpetual Surrey are alongside ANMT’s annual 15 Minute Musicals. Performances will be held at the Colony Theatre in Burbank on June 22nd and 24th. Tickets are now on sale at the ANMT website, www.anmt.org.

December 11, 2008

Cabaret Impressario Clifford Bell Returns to the Stage

Clifford Bell, known affectionately as ‘Lawrence of Cabarabia’, one of the leading directors in the fields of Cabaret, Concerts, and One Person Shows, is himself performing on stage for the first time in twenty five years, on January 17, at 8:00 p.m. at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, in CABARABIA! An Evening With Clifford Bell and Friends, a benefit for The Academy For New Musical Theatre. (anmt.org)

‘After twenty five years of standing in the back of the room watching some of the greatest performers from the worlds of Broadway and Cabaret, I think I’m ready to sneak into the spotlight for a minute or two.’ says Clifford Bell, who has produced and directed some of the most popular nightclub acts in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Having had a modestly successful singing career in his twenties, Clifford quit performing when he began producing and directing others. ‘I took off the red shoes a long time ago, but when Scott Guy from The Academy For New Musical Theatre proposed the idea to me, it seemed like an interesting and fun thing to do. That, of course, was until I really started thinking about having to do it….How long does it take to lose eighty pounds?’

As a thirty year veteran of the Los Angeles nightclub scene, Clifford is most identified with the legendary Cinegrill at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. In venues large and small, Clifford has worked with some of the biggest names in the Broadway/Cabaret community. From Katey Sagal’s recent concerts to the touring hitDirect From Broadway starring Tony Award Winners Michael Maguire (Les Miserables) and Debbie Shapiro Gravitte (Jerome Robbins’ Broadway) to the 2008 Cabaret Convention At Lincoln Center, Clifford has been a prolific visionary in the world he calls Cabarabia.(www.Cabarabia.com).

Appearing on the program will be many guest artists, all of whom are Broadway and cabaret stars. Scheduled to appear with Clifford Bell are: Michael Maguire, Tony Award Winner from Les Miserables; jazz and blues great Barbara Morrison; Todd Murray, recording artist of the hit CD Stardust And Swing; Douglas Sills, Tony Award nominee for Broadway’s Scarlet Pimpernel; Lara Teeter, Tony Award nominee for On Your Toes; Brad Ellis from Forever Plaid and Forbidden Broadway; Eydie Alyson from Little Shop Of Horrors and Les Miserables; Dana Meller from Les Miserables and The Full Monty; Kirsten Holly Smith from Stay Forever: The Life And Music Of Dusty Springfield; Arriane Alexander from Big, Blonde, And Beautiful; Spencer Day, Recording Artist of Vagabond; and Paul Jacek from Secrets Of A Beverly Hills Shampoo Boy.

Since the evening is a benefit for The Academy For New Musical Theatre, Clifford and friends will be celebrating the symbiotic relationship between the worlds of Broadway and Cabaret.

Also featured will be production numbers from the new musicals Born To Ride The Waves (book by Mimi Leahey and Harry Nangle; music and lyrics by Joseph Mulroy), The Water (book by Tim Werenko and Jeff Hylton; lyrics by Jeff Hylton, music by Georgia Stitt) and Idaho: The Comedy Musical (book and lyrics by Buddy Sheffield, music by Buddy Sheffield and Keith Thompson) and special appearances by Andrea Press, Mary Pat Bowe, and Kelley Yearout, and the members of the Academy Repertory Company.

‘The people that I have invited to be in this evening are who I consider to be among the best cabaret and theatre performers in the business,’ says Clifford, ‘It’s going to be a very eclectic mix including a few of Broadway’s greatest leading men, some quirky and hilarious personalities, and some ‘raise the roof/go to Church’ singing.’

The evening will be presented at the Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third Ave., Burbank. 8:00 p.m. January 17, 2009. Tickets are $75 and $125. Reservations and more information: anmt.org.

December 8, 2008

Announcing the new PRODUCERS’ LAB at ANMT

In January 2009, the Academy for New Musical Theatre will be offering a series of workshops and lectures on the process of producing a musical, hosted by LA entertainment lawyer Gordon P. Firemark.

For the first time ever, entertainment attorney and producer Gordon Firemark presents a six-session course in the nuts-and-bolts of producing theatrical entertainment. The course will follow a hypothetical production through its life cycle, from idea to book/libretto through budgets, financing and production to opening night, closing, transfer and touring.

Participants will receive useful handouts, worksheets, checklists and basic contract forms for reference in producing their own projects.

Gordon P. Firemark is an attorney whose practice is devoted to the representation of artists, writers, producers and directors in the fields of theater, film, television, and music. He is also the publisher of Entertainment Law Update, a newsletter for artists and professionals in the entertainment industries. His practice also covers intellectual property, cyberspace, new media and business/corporate matters for clients in the entertainment industry.

An accomplished producer of stage plays and musicals, Gordon also serves as CEO of Fierce Theatricals, which produces touring productions of small-cast musicals, revues and cabaret shows. He teaches Business Law at Loyola Marymount University, and has previously offered courses in Theater Law at Cypress College, and Entrepreneurial Studies at California Institute of the Arts. Mr. Firemark has served as a moderator and featured panelist at seminars sponsored by the Beverly Hills Bar Association, California Lawyers for the Arts, Theatre LA, and the Oregon Artist’s Rights Coalition. He has also been a guest lecturer at Southwestern University School of Law, Loyola Law School, California Western School of Law, UC Irvine, and California State University, Northridge.
To read more about Mr. Firemark, please visit his information website at http://www.theatrelawyer.com.

The fee for the course will be $395 (if reserved by December 15); $495 if reserved after the deadline.

To reserve a place in the Producers’ Lab, please visit http://www.anmt.org, or send an email to academy@anmt.org.

December 7, 2008

December 15th : Submission Deadline for the 2009 Search for New Voices in Musical Theatre

Monday, December 15th is the submission deadline for the 2009 Search for New Voices in Musical Theatre, co-sponsored by the Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) and the Los Angeles-based Festival of New American Musicals. The winner of the Search will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company (ARC) during the 2009 Festival of New American Musicals, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles during the 2009-10 ANMT season.

There is a $100 fee for submitting to the Search, in return for which each entry will receive a 3-5 page script evaluation from an ANMT staff dramaturg. ‘I’ve never received a more cogent and useable evaluation before,’ wrote 2008 applicant Elliott Baker (author of The Tooth Fairy’s Daughter). ‘I’m very comfortable with the critique process but I have never finished reading a critique/evaluation with as much desire and energy to go to work on and polish a piece.’

‘The evaluation was far more in-depth than I expected and seemed to cover all the key aspects of the show. Frankly, I found it more helpful than a staged reading would have been,’ stated Search participant Barbara Campbell (bookwriter/lyricist of The Awakening). ‘This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic ‘nuts and bolts’ than I have ever received to date.’

Writers can submit their shows electronically via ANMT’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form. ANMT Staff then narrows the submissions to a short stack of finalists, and then asks finalists to submit a complete piano-vocal score before making a final decision. Festival Co-Executive Producer, Linda Shusett, will work with ANMT to select final winners.

ANMT has a development process which has been around for four decades, nurturing musicals through a number of stages, including outlines, rough drafts, table readings and concert readings.

For more information on the Festival of New American Musicals, visit www.lafestival.org.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org. ANMT is located at 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, California (91601).

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) announces the second installment of their Concert Reading Series at The Colony Theatre in Burbank: Idaho: the Comedy Musical by Buddy Sheffield and Keith Thompson, on Monday, December 1 at 7:30pm.

Idaho! is a slightly naughty send-up of Oklahoma!. It won the Best of Fest Audience Prize at the 2008 New York Musical Festival in September and is gearing up for a Broadway production.

‘We’re very excited to be featuring this piece in our concert series,’ says Executive Director Scott Guy. ‘It won a Special Merit prize in the Academy’s 2007 Search for New Musicals and then it was the hit of the festival in New York.’

The writers of Idaho! bill their new musical as ‘a tale of love and sex on the prairie baked to bawdy perfection and set during the Golden era of Broadway. From a land where men were men, women were for sale to the highest bidder and the laws of musical comedy were meant to be broken, IDAHO! is an original high-steppin’ song and dance musical ripped from the earth like a fresh dug spud.’

Elena Shaddow, who played the lead character in New York, says of Idaho!, ‘It’s 100 percent an homage to the golden age of those musicals from the fifties, but it’s a new book musical, and it’s kind of naughty. It’s definitely a little subversive, which is great. It’s fun for us actors to get into it — we make fun of our own art form.’

Idaho! will be performed by the members of ANMT’s Academy Repertory Company (ARC) and invited guests, and directed by Dan Fields (In My Life on Broadway, the national tour of The Graduate, and the 2007 15 Minute Musicals at ANMT).

Idaho: the Comedy Musical will take place at 7:30pm, with a ticket price of $10, at The Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third Street, in Burbank. For reservations, visit www.anmt.org.

Musicals later in the season of the concert series will include an evening of Works-in-Progress (February 9); and the 2008 Search for New Voices winner The Water by Tim Werenko, Jeff Hylton, and Georgia Stitt (April 27).

November 10, 2008

ANMT Presents Concert Reading of NYMF Prize Winner

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) announces the second installment of their Concert Reading Series at The Colony Theatre in Burbank: Idaho: the Comedy Musical by Buddy Sheffield and Keith Thompson, on Monday, December 1 at 7:30pm.

Idaho! is a slightly naughty send-up of Oklahoma!. It won the Best of Fest Audience Prize at the 2008 New York Musical Festival in September and is gearing up for a Broadway production.

‘We’re very excited to be featuring this piece in our concert series,’ says Executive Director Scott Guy. ‘It won a Special Merit prize in the Academy’s 2007 Search for New Musicals and then it was the hit of the festival in New York.’

The writers of Idaho! bill their new musical as ‘a tale of love and sex on the prairie baked to bawdy perfection and set during the Golden era of Broadway. From a land where men were men, women were for sale to the highest bidder and the laws of musical comedy were meant to be broken, IDAHO! is an original high-steppin’ song and dance musical ripped from the earth like a fresh dug spud.’

Elena Shaddow, who played the lead character in New York, says of Idaho!, ‘It’s 100 percent an homage to the golden age of those musicals from the fifties, but it’s a new book musical, and it’s kind of naughty. It’s definitely a little subversive, which is great. It’s fun for us actors to get into it

November 5, 2008

GOING ONCE

The Academy for New Musical Theatre introduces a whole new way to shop for the holidays, and support new musical theatre, with its Holiday Online Auction, which takes place on the Internet at http://www.anmt.cmarket.com. Bidding begins at 8:00 AM/PST November 28, 2008 and runs through 5:00 PM/PST December 7, 2008.

The Academy has assembled an exciting catalog of auction items, with something for everyone. Musical Theatre fans can win a private conversation with Avenue Q writer, Jeff Marx, or Altar Boyz and 13Broadway Producer, Ken Davenport, theatre trips to London and New York, as well as theatre tickets to many of Los Angeles’ popular venues, like the Ahmanson, Mark Taper Forum, The Pantages, Cabrillo Music Theatre, La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts and The Broad Theatre - even tickets to Bette Midler Live in Las Vegas. Or win a private performance in your home with the ever-popular husband and wife duo, Alan Chapman and Karen Benjamin.

You can also bid on services like headshot photography, voice lessons, massages, entertainment law consultations, a limousine ride, a personal organizer session – even a makeover with stylist to the stars, Roberto Ramos or a birthday party for twenty-four with the one and only Whirlie the Clown.

For the techies out there, how about an XBOX 360 Arcade, an Archos WiFi 605 or a Slingbox Solo? Comic book collectors will find Batman, X-Men, IronMan, and a number of autographed items by well-known comics inker Steve Mitchell and the legendary Len Wein.

‘Not only can you save a bunch of money, like $70 off of $100 theatre tickets,’ says the Academy’s Executive Director Scott Guy, ‘you’re helping the future of new musical theatre in America, PLUS you could be saving big on this year’s holiday gift shopping. Three reasons to bid on auction items.’

The Academy has acquired some items not available anywhere else. A fifteen-minute private phone conversation with a Broadway producer, for instance, or with a Broadway writer.

‘Donors have been very supportive of this auction,’ says Ellen Dostal, the auction’s producer, ‘We’re getting some wonderful one-of-a-kind items. It’s been a lot of fun putting together the catalog. There’s one particular Big Ticket Item I’m hoping to win myself and give to my friends for a present.’

Money raised by the auction will go to help the Academy do what it does best, which is to develop new musicals and new writers. Academy programs include opportunities for writers, lyricists, composers, actors, singers, directors, music directors, and everyone with a love for new musical theatre.

Items are available for viewing right now, before the auction officially opens. Everyone is welcome to browse at http://www.anmt.cmarket.com. Donations are still being accepted – simply log on to the site and click on the ‘Donate Now’ button.

For more information about getting involved, contact auction@anmt.org.

October 6, 2008

Announcing the 2008-09 Concert Reading Series Presented by the Academy Repertory Company and the Colony Theatre

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) announces the 2008-09 season of their Concert Reading Series at The Colony Theatre in Burbank, featuring book-in-hand readings of four new musicals on their way to production, produced by the members of the Academy Repertory Company (ARC).

Last year’s inaugural season was a big success for the concert series, out-selling predictions by nearly 120%.

The first reading in this year’s series, on Monday October 27th, will be Daughter of Beijing, with book and lyrics by Sachi Oyama and music by Richard Berent. This piece was originally written several years ago, and received a reading at the ASCAP/Disney workshop in 2000. The writers recently revised the piece in honor of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Uprising.

‘This project appealed to me immediately. I saw the opportunity to help tell what was not only a timeless, timely, and thematically rich story, filled with comedy and tragedy, but even more than that, a wholly original one, written by someone with an original voice,’ says composer Richard Berent, speaking of his collaborator, Los Angeles based playwright Sachi Oyama. ‘Also, I was fascinated with the musical challenge … the story cried out for a musical palette steeped in and evocative of its time and place. How to do that, yet still always stay true to my honest authentic voice as a composer, was the fascinating task for me.’

Berent’s collaborator, Sachi Oyama, has had success with Los Angeles productions of musicals, most notably, Imelda, the second-highest grossing production at East West Players.

‘Daughter of Beijing is a metaphor for the emerging of China, and China finding its new place in the global community. Although Tianamen is a background to the piece, it’s not the main focus of the piece: it’s about China’s future.’

Daughter of Beijing will take place at 7:30pm, with a ticket price of $10, at The Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third Street, in Burbank. For reservations, visit www.anmt.org.

Musicals later in the season of the concert series will include Idaho: the Comedy Musical by Buddy Sheffield and Keith Thompson (December 1); an evening of Works-in-Progress (February 9); and the 2008 Search for New Voices winner The Water by Tim Werenko, Jeff Hylton, and Georgia Stitt (April 27).

September 15, 2008

ANMT and Festival of New American Musicals Announce the Search for New Voices in Musical Theatre

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) and the Los Angeles-based Festival of New American Musicals are co-sponsoring ANMT’s 2009 Search for New Voices in Musical Theatre. The winner of the Search will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company (ARC) during the 2009 Festival of New American Musicals, detailed feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles during the 2009-10 ANMT season.

The winner of the 2008 Search was The Water, a timely piece about floods in the Midwest, written by Tim Werenko, Jeff Hylton, and Georgia Stitt. The Water received a workshop and feedback session with ARC during the 2008 Festival last May, and will be featured in ANMT’s 2008-09 concert reading series at the Colony Theatre with a concert reading on Monday, October 27th. Second prize winner Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam Jr., Chris Budinich, Diana Belkowski, and Dan Tramon, received a table reading and feedback session in April. Third prize winner Unwritten Rules by Danny Abosch and Tommy Nolan received a dramaturgical evaluation. Special Merit winner Idaho! The Comedy Musical, by Buddy Sheffield and Keith Thompson, will receive a concert reading at the Colony, on December 1, 2008.

There is a $100 fee for submitting to the Search, in return for which each entry will receive a 3-5 page script evaluation from an ANMT staff dramaturg. ‘I’ve never received a more cogent and useable evaluation before,’ wrote 2008 applicant Elliott Baker (author of The Tooth Fairy’s Daughter). ‘I’m very comfortable with the critique process but I have never finished reading a critique/evaluation with as much desire and energy to go to work on and polish a piece.’

‘The evaluation was far more in-depth than I expected and seemed to cover all the key aspects of the show. Frankly, I found it more helpful than a staged reading would have been,’ stated Search participant Barbara Campbell (bookwriter/lyricist of The Awakening). ‘This critique offered me far more in-depth comments into the basic ‘nuts and bolts’ than I have ever received to date.’

‘The Festival is delighted to join with ANMT in this national competition’, says Bob Klein, Co-Executive Producer. ‘Musical theatre development is a unique process. Readings and workshopping are essential parts. The Festival has a continuing commitment to nurturing this process.’

Writers can submit their shows electronically via ANMT’s website, or submit materials by mail after completing an online submission form. ANMT Staff then narrows the submissions to a short stack of finalists, and then asks finalists to submit a complete piano-vocal score before making a final decision. Festival Co-Executive Producer, Linda Shusett, will work with ANMT to select final winners.

ANMT has a development process which has been around for four decades, nurturing musicals through a number of stages, including outlines, rough drafts, table readings and concert readings.

The Festival of New American Musicals launched across southern California in May of 2008. The inaugural festival included readings and workshops of eight new musicals – One Red Flower, The Man Who Would Be King and Daddy Long Legs in the Rubicon Theater WORKS IN PROGRSS series; The Times and I Married Wyatt Earp in conjunction with ASCAP; Sing Me a Happy Song at College of the Canyons; and Bonnie & Clyde and The Water with ANMT. The Festival plans to be back in full force in May of 2009 with a whole new slate of opportunities for new musicals on the west coast.

For more information on the Festival of New American Musicals, visit www.lafestival.org.

Information on submitting to the Search is available online via ANMT’s website: www.anmt.org. ANMT is located at 5628 Vineland Avenue in North Hollywood, California (91601).

September 1, 2008

Workshop for New Musicals Experiences Unprecedented Growth

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) has quietly been creating a musical theatre revolution in North Hollywood. ANMT’s budget has quadrupled in the past five years, three new staff members have been added, and the organization’s website is getting nearly 60,000 hits every month.

“I find the growth staggering,” says ANMT Executive Director, Scott Guy. “I’ve seen this organization grow from a dedicated writers’ workshop into one of premiere places to develop a new musical in this country.”

According to Guy, during the 2007-08 season ANMT sponsored 46 projects in active development and 249 presentations of new musicals in its workshops in North Hollywood; produced a concert series at the Colony Theatre and a conference on the business of writing musical theatre; launched a new musical theatre internet channel; and hosted a Salon With Stephen Sondheim.

“It’s been an incredible year,” says Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry. “We’re exhausted. Very proud, of course, but exhausted.” Dewsberry gives much of the credit for this growth to the establishment, five years ago, of the Academy Repertory Company, a sight-singing troupe of actors interested in nurturing new work. ARC meets every Monday evening, and has the collective ability to put together a reading of an entire show with just a rehearsal or two. ANMT supports this group of actors with music directors, rehearsal space, directors, and an ever-growing slate of new musicals.

“It’s a lot of fun,” says Andrea Press, one of the founding members of ARC. “We’re working with producers from all over the country, and writers from all over the world.”

Dewsberry also credits ANMT’s creative ability to use internet technology to share its workshops in private web-based sessions, which is bringing ANMT national attention for developing musicals.

Shows developed through ANMT have been seen in Chicago, Seattle, Birmingham, London, New York, and Los Angeles, and there are dozens more partnerships in the making.

ANMT supports workshops, readings, studio productions and collaboration opportunities for writers, composers, actors, directors, producers and audience members who share a love for musical theatre. ANMT’s roots go back 30 years to the teachings of our first mentor, Lehman Engel, a preeminent Broadway musical director. ANMT became a non-profit corporation in response to an ever-growing interest in the international musical theatre community.

ANMT’s goals are to: Advance the future of musical theatre production by creating a large pool of writing, performing and producing talent; develop a comprehensive musical theatre curriculum; cultivate awareness of and enthusiasm for new works for young audiences; and forge partnerships with local, national and international theatre companies.

The Writers’ Workshop
ANMT’s Writers’ Workshop is a two-year curriculum for composers, lyricists and bookwriters. It is designed to nurture a musical from a half-page concept through a series of structured workshops and presentations to developmental and mainstage productions. First Year Members collaborate to write scenes, songs, duets, ensembles and a final fifteen minute musical which ANMT produces in a professional theatre. Second Year Members collaborate to write full-length musicals for actors selected from the Academy Repertory Company. Alumni qualify to participate in collaborative projects with theatre companies and producers, and may also bring musicals of their own into the workshop process. An online curriculum is available to qualified writers who live out of the area.
ANMT’s New Works for Young Audiences is committed to the creation of innovative musical theatre for the youth market via workshops, lectures and arts education curricula.

Academy Repertory Company (ARC)
ANMT is home to the Academy Repertory Company (ARC), an ensemble of versatile actor/singers, and supports a network of directors, music directors, dramaturgs and producers dedicated to breathing life into original works. The actors, in a weekly lab and in collaboration with writers, directors and producers, are provided with training and experience in the creative workshop process.
ANMT partners with professional theatre companies and movie studios, including the Colony Theatre, East West Players, Red Mountain Theatre and several dozen others. This networking activity facilitates commission or works-for-hire opportunities for writers. ANMT is a member of the National Alliance of Musical Theatre (New York), and actively shares resources and workshop opportunities with Theatre Building Chicago’s musical theatre workshop and Mercury Musicals Developments (London).

August 25, 2008

The Interstate Musical Theatre Project: 50 States, 50 Musicals

Beginning in October 2008, states across the nation will be participating in the Interstate Musical Theatre Project, a national collection of brand-new musicals examining American themes and culture. Sponsored by the Academy for New Musical Theatre in Los Angeles, this is one of ANMT’s most ambitious projects to date.

Musical theatre writers from every part of America will be invited to participate in this national coalition of new musicals written simultaneously across the nation. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a concert production at the Colony Theatre (Los Angeles/Burbank) in 2010. Every musical participating in the project receives three developmental workshops in Los Angeles.

The Interstate Musical Theatre Project is a two-year-long series of developmental workshops creating new musicals (pre-existing musicals are not eligible). Writers participating in this program will receive three workshops with members of the Academy Repertory Company in Los Angeles, and dramaturgical support and feedback from the staff of the Academy for New Musical Theatre.

“Fifty states, fifty new musicals?!” says Scott Guy, the Academy’s Executive Director, who dreamed up the idea behind this project. “It could happen. We’re speaking with Arts Councils and Humanities Councils in each of the fifty states, and so far the response is overwhelmingly positive. They could not be more supportive, helping us get the word out. It’s tough, finding musical theatre writers in the middle of, say, Idaho. We know they’re out there; it’s just a question of getting the word out to them.”

Workshops in Los Angeles will be digitally recorded and uploaded to a password-protected website; participants will be able to view workshops for their own musical as often as they wish, as well as view other workshops in the project.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for writers across the country,” says Elise Dewsberry, ANMT’s Associate Artistic Director. “We’re able to provide workshops and support for your musical no matter where you live. We’re thrilled at the idea of meeting musical theatre writers who don’t live in big cities. This is going to be fun!”

Writers interested in more information about getting involved with the project should visit www.anmt.org.

August 18, 2008

Academy for New Musical Theatre: Where New Musicals Are Born

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) supports workshops, readings, studio productions and collaboration opportunities for writers, composers, actors, directors, producers and audience members who share a love for musical theatre. ANMT’s Writers’ Workshop has been nurturing the birth of new musicals since the late 60’s.

Originally founded by Lehman Engel, the prominent Broadway conductor and music director, the Writers’ Workshop has been directed by John Sparks since 1981.

Six years ago, the workshop hired Scott Guy, its current Executive Director. Under Scott’s leadership, the workshop has expanded to include an actors curriculum, a resident acting company, and a professional branch to develop musicals for producers across the country.

“The Writers’ Workshop was amazing for three and a half decades,” says Guy, “But the work was staying within its own community of writers. They needed producers. They needed audiences! So we’ve built an infrastructure to support that.”

The Academy now supports workshops, readings, presentations, and online feedback sessions nearly every night of the year from September through June, networking writers with producers, and theatre companies with new musicals.

The Academy still offers the original curriculum created by Lehman Engel, in an expanded form, with specialty labs in composing, lyric writing and book writing, concluding with a 15-minute musical which ANMT produces in a professional theatre.

The Writers’ Workshop
ANMT’s Writers’ Workshop is a two-year curriculum for composers, lyricists and bookwriters. It is designed to nurture a musical from a half-page concept through a series of structured workshops and presentations to developmental and mainstage productions. The “Core Curriculum” instructs writers in collaboration of scenes, songs, duets, ensembles and the final fifteen minute musical. In the second year, writers work on full-length musicals. After completion of the curriculum, writers may qualify to participate in collaborative projects with theatre companies and producers, and may also bring musicals of their own into the workshop process. An online curriculum is available to qualified writers who live outside Los Angeles.

“It’s a brave new world out there,” says Guy, “I think Lehman would be astonished what we can accomplish via the internet. Our lyric lab alone, for instance, features over 40 videos, as well as interactive tests, exercises, and one-on-one feedback for assignments in each unit. It’s amazing. We’re able to work with writers now anywhere on the planet!”

Academy Repertory Company (ARC)
ANMT is home to the Academy Repertory Company (ARC), an ensemble of versatile actor/singers, and supports a network of directors, music directors, dramaturgs and producers dedicated to breathing life into original works. The actors, in a weekly lab and in collaboration with writers, directors and producers, are provided with training and experience in the creative workshop process.

ANMT partners with professional theatre companies and movie studios, including the Colony Theatre, East West Players, Red Mountain Theatre and several dozen others. This networking activity facilitates commission or works-for-hire opportunities for writers. ANMT is a member of the National Alliance of Musical Theatre (New York), and actively shares resources and workshop opportunities with Theatre Building Chicago’s musical theatre workshop and Mercury Musicals Developments (London).

The Performers’ Workshop
ANMT supports two 30-week programs for actors studying musical theatre. Lead by Broadway actors Joshua Finkel, the Performers’ Workshop leads actors from auditions to complex skill sets to creating one-man cabaret acts. The Performers’ Workshop accepts an intimate group of singing actors to meet for three sessions over the course of the academic year (September through May).

“I won’t take a big class,” says Joshua Finkel, “I limit my courses to twelve people at a time so I can devote all the attention a developing artist needs, without feeling the pressure to move on.” Finkel produces an annual sold-out evening of cabaret at the M-Bar for his students. Graduates of the first year can enroll in the more specialized Performers’ Workshop 2, which focuses on audition techniques and one-on-one coaching sessions.

Plans for the FutureThe Academy is expanding rapidly; it added three producers to its staff in Spring 2008; it launched an internet channel dedicated to new musical theatre and internet musicals; it hosted a national conference on the business of the musical theatre business. Plans for the fall include the second annual concert reading series at the Colony Theatre, and a continuation of Salons, which in the past have featured such musical theatre luminaries as Jason Robert Brown, Jeff Marx (Avenue Q), Arthur Kopit (Nine), Winnie Holzman (Wicked) and Stephen Sondheim.

August 11, 2008

An Internet Channel for New Musicals

ANMT is proud to announce its own new musical theatre channel on the internet: ANMT.TV. Here curious viewers can see clips from musical theatre television, made-for-internet musical theatre pieces, and podcasts of interviews with Broadway and British writers.

New videos are being posted all the time, as viewers send recommendations of musical theatre videos they’ve found on YouTube and musical theatre blogs and other musical theatre portals.

ANMT.TV is currently the only place to see Raising Cain: the Genesis of a New Musical, the behind-the-scenes documentary about creating brand new 15 Minute Musicals as part of the ANMT development curriculum.

ANMT.TV is also the only place to see A Salon With Stephen Sondheim, a webcast of the sold-out event held at the Colony Theatre in Burbank in the spring of 2008. In this webcast, Mr. Sondheim speaks to a theatre full of musical theatre writers about his approach to his craft.

“There’s a lot of musical content to view on the internet,” said Elise Dewsberry, ANMT’s Associate Artistic Director. “People have sent us links to musical episodes of Scrubs, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Eli Stone, The Drew Carey Show, Whose Line is it Anyway?, and the very bizarre Sweeney Floyd the Demon Barber of Mayberry.”

ANMT has also created a few internet musicals of their own, including The Customer is Always Right, a short musical in which an irate customer gets some surprisingly musical help from the store manager. ANMT is currently shooting its next internet musical, I Quit! in which a disgruntled employee’s speech to his boss sets off a chain reaction of lunch-hour resignations.

To view the videos at ANMT.TV, visit www.anmt.tv.

August 4, 2008

Stephen Sondheim Webcast: the Master Speaks

A webcast of a recent Salon session with Stephen Sondheim is now available for viewing at the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s new website: www.anmt.tv.

The original event, “A Salon with Stephen Sondheim,” a seminar presented by the Academy for New Musical Theatre, on March 13, 2008, sold out less than three minutes after tickets went on sale in February of 2008.

Tickets went on sale online for the Academy for New Musical Theatre’s salon with musical theatre’s legend at 10:00 a.m., and were sold out by 10:03. A waiting list as long as the reservation list was complete by 10:10 a.m.

“Stephen Sondheim is the rock star of the musical theatre world,” said Scott Guy, the Academy’s Executive Director. “We knew he was revered, of course, but we weren’t prepared for such an enormous response.”

Mr. Sondheim has generously agreed to allow a webcast of the salon to be broadcast via the Academy’s website, www.anmt.tv. Fifty precent of the proceeds from this video go directly to Mr. Sondheim’s personal charity, Young Playwrights, Inc. The remainder of the proceeds go to the not-for-profit Academy for New Musical Theatre.

In a fascinating one-hour video from that Salon, Mr. Sondheim discusses his approach to the craft of writing for musical theatre, followed by a Q&A session. The session includes questions from composers, writers and producers of original musical theatre, including Steve Cuden (co-creator of Broadway’s Jekyll and Hyde), Calvin Ramsberg (Sweeney Todd’s Beadle Bamford) and Steven Banks, the Head Writer of Sponge Bob Square Pants.

“Our Salons are very intimate ‘insider’ events,” says ANMT’s Executive Director Scott Guy. “Part of the reason we’re able to attract such wonderful guests is that our events are small, casual affairs.”

Salon guests in the past have included Winnie Holzman (Wicked), Jeff Marx (Avenue Q), Jason Robert Brown (“The Last Five Years”), Marty Panzer (Barry Manilow’s lyricist) and Arthur Kopit (Nine). “But Sondheim has trumped them all. His tickets sold like a rock concert.”

The Salon was eventually moved to the larger Colony Theatre, where it again sold out. “It was one of the most wonderful, magical, unforgettable afternoons of my life,” says the Colony Theatre’s Artistic Director, Barbara Beckley. “We were honored and awed to host this event.”

To view “A Salon with Stephen Sondheim,” visit www.anmt.tv.

February 1, 2008

ANMT and Colony Theatre Launch New Musical Concert Reading Series

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) and The Colony Theatre announce the launch of a Concert Reading Series which presents book-in-hand readings of new musicals on their way to production.

‘Audiences will get a chance to be in on the ground floor,’ says Peter Welkin, the series producer and a member of ANMT’s Academy Repertory Company. ‘The writers of these musicals are looking forward to finding out what audiences think about them at this early stage, with no costumes, or sets, or lighting – nothing to get in between the audience and the writing.’

The series will launch with the February 18th presentation of Twice-Told Tales, an evening of four new short musicals based on four classic American short stories: Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Dr. Heidegger’s Experimentwith music and lyrics by Clay Zambo; O.Henry’s The Ransom of Red Chief, with music by Ed Martel and lyrics by Kellen Blair; Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell Tale Heart, with music by Nick DeGregorio and libretto by Scott Guy; and The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain, music by Bill Johnson and lyrics by Bill Berry.

The second reading in the series will be the March 3rd presentation of 40 is the new 15: a musical in two ages, with book and lyrics by Larry Todd Johnson and music by Cindy O’Connor. In this contemporary, revue-style show, five 40-somethings look back to when they were fifteen and wonder if they’d known then what they know now, would it have made any difference?

The third in the series will be presented on April 28th, and is the creation of noted Broadway performers Hunter Foster and Rick Crom. Their new musical Bonnie and Clyde: a folktale, billed by the creators as agood ol’ musical about the bad ol’ days, is an original take on the infamous bandits.

All performances will take place at 7:30pm, with a ticket price of $10, at The Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third Street, in Burbank. For reservations, visit www.anmt.org.

February 1, 2008

Sondheim Tickets: Sold Out in Three Minutes

Reservations for ‘A Salon with Stephen Sondheim,’ to be hosted by the Academy for New Musical Theatre at 1:00 on Thursday March 13, sold out in three minutes. Tickets went on sale via the Academy’s website exactly at 10:00 a.m. on February 1, and were sold out by 10:03. A waiting list as long as the reservation list was complete by 10:10 a.m.

‘Nobody was more astonished than I was at 10:03 this morning,’ said Elise Dewsberry, the Academy’s Associate Artistic Director, who policed the reservations. ‘Like a lot of people, I was poised at my computer just prior to 10:00am this morning. At precisely 9:59:55, I deleted the regular www.anmt.org home page, and renamed the new homepage with the link to the Sondheim reservation page.’ Within the next 180 seconds, the event sold out.

The Salon will be held at ANMT’s intimate workshop hall, which seats 80. ‘Our Salons are very intimate ‘insider’ events,’ says ANMT’s Executive Director Scott Guy. ‘Part of the reason we’re able to attract such wonderful guests is that our events are small, casual affairs.’ Salon guests in the past have included Winnie Holzman (Wicked), Jeff Marx (Avenue Q), Jason Robert Brown (The Last Five Years), Marty Panzer (Barry Manilow’s lyricist) and Arthur Kopit (Nine). ‘But Sondheim has trumped them all. His tickets sold like a rock concert.’

‘Quite frankly, I’m ticked off,’ said one of ANMT’s members, who preferred not to be named, ‘I did everything I was supposed to do: I clicked right at 10:00 and was told the server was busy; I clicked again and again, and two minutes later, it was sold out!’

ANMT had many irate phone calls and emails on Friday, even ones accusing them of pre-reserving tickets in advance, and setting up a situation to encourage scalpers. But once the staff sent out an explanatory email to its members, the rage turned to sadness.

‘This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Stephen Sondheim, and I cried all morning that I didn’t win the lottery,’ said another member. ‘I’m on the waiting list, but there are 70 people in front of me.’

The Salon will be held at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, 5628 Vineland, in North Hollywood, at 1:00p.m. on Thursday March 13th. For more information, or to be added to the impossibly-long waiting list, visit www.anmt.org.

The Academy for New Musical Theatre (ANMT) supports workshops, readings, studio productions and collaboration opportunities for writers, composers, actors, directors, producers and audience members who share a love for musical theatre. ANMT provides a Writers’ Workshop for composers, lyricists and bookwriters; the Academy Repertory Company of actors and bookwriters; an online curriculum is available to qualified writers who live out of the area.

October 1, 2007

The Academy for New Musical Theatre Announces the 2008 Search for New Voices in American Musical Theatre

The Academy for New Musical Theatre is conducting a nationwide search for new full-length American musicals. The winning musical will receive a workshop with the Academy Repertory Company, in-depth dramaturgical feedback from the ANMT staff, and a concert reading in Los Angeles (May/June 2008). All applicants will receive a three-page evaluation report from ANMT.

The Academy’s dramaturgical feedback has recently been endorsed by Tony winners Jeff Marx and Mark Hollmann.

‘I couldn’t be more impressed with the folks at ANMT.’ says Avenue Q co-creator Jeff Marx. ‘The feedback they’ll offer you on your work is astonishingly insightful and detailed. I was amazed to find this level of professionalism and intelligence about musical theater outside of NYC. I highly, highly recommend getting their input on your new musical projects. Their teeth are sharp as sharks’, but they don’t bite.’

Says Urinetown composer Mark Hollmann, ‘I recently had the pleasure of working with The Academy for New Musical Theatre on a reading of The Grouch’s Daughter, my new musical co-written with Jack Helbig. ANMT staff member Elise Dewsberry served as both dramaturg and director, and in our years of working on this show, no one person has been as helpful to us as she was. I’m deeply impressed with the care and intelligence of their creative input, and would not hesitate to work with ANMT again.’

Applicants will be asked to submit a full copy of the script, a sample score of one song, and a CD of songs from the submitted musical (minimum of 3 songs). The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2007. The winner will be announced on March 1, 2008.

The Academy for New Musical Theatre’s mission is to foster the highest quality of musical theatre writing, and to advance the future of musical theatre production. The roots of the ANMT Writers’ Workshop go back nearly 40 years to the teachings of Lehman Engel, the preeminent Broadway musical director. The ANMT community includes composers, lyricists and bookwriters of new works, and the producers, directors, choreographers, actors, and singers who make those works come alive. ANMT has a two-year curriculum which trains writers in the craft of musical theatre, and a professional developmental branch for creating new musicals for producers all around the country.

Applications for the Search are available on the Academy’s website at www.anmt.org. There is a submission fee of $50.

September 1, 2007

Jeff Marx (Co-Creator of Tony-award winning Avenue Q) to host Salon at The Academy for New Musical Theatre

On Friday, October 12th, Avenue Q’s co-creator, Jeff Marx, will host an evening of anecdotes and a question-and-answer period as part of the Salon Series at the Academy for New Musical Theatre in North Hollywood.

In this intimate setting, Jeff will talk about his experience with Avenue Q, for which he and his writing partner Robert Lopez won the 2004 Tony award for Best Original Score. The show also won Tonys for Best Book (Jeff Whitty) and for Best Musical. The national tour of Avenue Q is currently running at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles.

‘Jeff co-wrote some songs for last year’s musical episode of the television series Scrubs,’ says ANMT’s Associate Artistic Director Elise Dewsberry, ‘and he liked Los Angeles so much, he decided to move here. We’re happy to have him on the west coast, and even happier that he has decided to make the Academy his creative home.’ Jeff was a guest writer for ANMT’s annual Fifteen Minute Musicals this past June, where he found one of his newest collaborators, ANMT member Jake Anthony.

During the 2006-07 Salon Series, evenings at ANMT were hosted by Jason Robert Brown (composer/lyricist of The Last Five Years, Parade, and 13), Winnie Holzman (bookwriter of Wicked), and Marty Panzer (award winning lyricist of It’s A Miracle, Even Now, and This One’s For You with Barry Manilow).

The Academy for New Musical Theatre’s mission is to foster the highest quality of musical theatre writing, and to advance the future of musical theatre production. The roots of the ANMT Writers’ Workshop go back nearly 40 years to the teachings of Lehman Engel, the preeminent Broadway musical director. The ANMT community includes composers, lyricists and bookwriters of new works, and the producers, directors, choreographers, actors, and singers who make those works come alive. ANMT has a two-year curriculum which trains writers in the craft of musical theatre, and a professional developmental branch for creating new musicals for producers all around the country.

The Salon with Jeff Marx will take place on Friday, October 12th from 8:00-10:00pm at the Academy for New Musical Theatre, 5628 Vineland Avenue, North Hollywood, CA, 91601. Participation is limited to 80. Tickets are $35 ($25 for ANMT members). To make a reservation, visit www.anmt.org and click on the Jeff Marx icon.

March 1, 2007

Avenue Q’s Jeff Marx’ New Short Musical Written in North Hollywood Musical Theatre Workshop

Jeff Marx, the co-creator of Broadway’s Avenue Q, is writing a new short musical as part of ten short musicals to be produced at the Colony Theatre on June 18-21 by the Academy for New Musical Theatre. Marx will be taking part in ANMT’s annual ritual called the ‘minimusicals’ in which fourteen writers create brand-new musicals, going from blank page to stage within ten weeks.

Marx is moving from his native New York to become a Los Angelesean, and hopes he’s found in ANMT a community of musical theatre artists which will allow him to continue to create musicals like Avenue Q.

Marx will be partnered with 28-year-old Jake Anthony, a composer and music director in Los Angeles. The duo will write music, book and lyrics together. ‘What an opportunity for me!’ says Anthony, ‘to work with one of the funniest, brightest writers working on Broadway today. I can’t wait!’